World Mental Health Day is always important, but this year it is more important than ever.

The global pandemic, financial insecurity and months of lockdown have had a huge impact on our mental health. According to research carried out by MIND, more than half of adults (60%) and over two-thirds of young people (68%) said their mental health got worse during lockdown. Many have developed new mental health problems as a result of the pandemic and, for some of us, existing mental health problems have gotten worse.

Our mental health is just like our physical health: everybody has it and we need to take care of it.

So this year, Hyndburn Council want to bring everyone together on Saturday 10th October for World Mental Health Day.

We are taking part in MIND charity’s ‘Do One Thing’ campaign and encourage you to do the same.  The campaign encourages us all to mark the day by each doing one thing for better mental health whether it’s going for a walk, learning a new skill or doing something creative, taking the first steps to getting support for yourself, or reaching out to someone else.

Making positive change can seem so hard, especially during uncertain times. And sometimes, it can be hard to know where to start. Take the opportunity this World Mental Health Day to make one positive change.

Council Leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson OBE, said;

“Now more than ever, mental health needs to be taken seriously. As a council, we will be working to raise awareness about the issue and reducing the stigma associated with mental health problems. This is why Hyndburn Council is taking part in MIND’s ‘Do One Thing’ campaign. We’d love to see you get involved over social media. Tag us if you do!”

If you or somebody you know is suffering, please use the information below:

Samaritans helpline: 116 123
Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/