Over 350 national, regional, local, and multicultural news publications are taking part in a press partnership to promote the importance of looking after mental health. 

The campaign encourages people to maintain their mental wellbeing with the help of a wide range of free, easy to access mental health resources and helpline services.

Developed by policy, clinical and communications colleagues in Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England, the campaign aims to link people with support such as expert advice, 'anxiety easing emails', a free 'mind plan', and self-help CBT techniques.

Councillor Adam Dance, Lead Member for Public Health, Equalities and Diversity at Somerset County Council, said: "Mental health does not discriminate, so it's fantastic to see that so many national publications from across the political spectrum supporting this campaign. We all have mental health, and it's important to be reminded that a range of support is available and that you are not alone."

"This campaign also reminded me that our minds and bodies really are highly connected, and different activities can help us to look after our physical health, mental health, or both! For example, exercise and movement is great for our mental fitness as well as our physical fitness."

Here are some things people can do to support their mental health:

Connect with friends or family, connect with yourself, have some quiet time alone, or connect with nature and your surroundings. Connection can mean lots of different things and sometimes it may be time alone, or time to socialise.  

Learn, stimulate the mind by learning something new, read a new book, read an interesting news article, learn a language or a new skill.  

Be active, move your body, go for a walk, stretch, play football, do yoga, run, ride a bike.  

Take notice of your surroundings, of the changing seasons or of the small things you are grateful for every day.

Give yourself time to do something that you enjoy, a smile to a stranger, a hug to a friend or family member, a small amount of money to your favourite charity or your undivided attention to a friend or family member.  

Reframe negative thoughts, treat yourself with the same patience and understanding as you would others.

For more useful information and resources visit www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/ or our local support pages at www.openmentalhealth.org.uk

If you, or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, or thoughts about harming yourself, please tell someone. Look out for people wearing an Orange Button – these people have had the training to be able to listen non-judgementally and can help you find support locally.

Local Mental Health Support

Mindline is Somerset's listening and support telephone service and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on: Local: 01823 276 892               Freephone: 0800 138 1692  www.openmentalhealth.org.uk

The Samaritans can also be reached by calling 116 123. www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/