Sounds good! Monthly meetings are probably the best option. I'd suggest contacting the Society for Storytelling - they would be able to insert an entry in their diary for your friend.
http://www.sfs.org.uk/

Why not put a small article in local paper, something on local radio, or small posters up in libraries?   

I'm interested in starting one in the Tees Valley eventually, in Middlesbrough preferably or maybe Stockton. Tuesdays or Wednesdays look best days for me.

There are storytelling events in Leeds occasionally, so this might just work, if your friend is happy to start small in the early stages.