Bolton residents are being reminded of the support available as part of a national awareness campaign around mental health.

The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May) is being active.

Keeping moving can help improve our mental health and wellbeing, and even short brisk walks can increase our self-esteem, and reduce stress and anxiety.

Bolton Council and its partners offer support throughout the year, and as part of Mental Health Awareness Week are highlighting the range of support available to Bolton residents.

The support available to residents in Bolton includes:

• Let’s keep Bolton Moving, offering positive activities at https://letskeepboltonmoving.co.uk/understand.php

• Be Kind To Your Mind provides information and supports for children and young people at https://www.bekindtomymind.co.uk/

• People aged 10-25yrs can get tailored support at Kooth and Qwell, and adults aged 25yrs+ can get help at www.qwell.io

• Free mental health and wellbeing courses for those working or volunteering in Bolton at Bolton learning and development – Bolton Council

• Bolton Talking Therapies offers free and confidential talking therapies for stress, anxiety, and depression at 01204 483 100

• If you are feeling stressed, anxious, low or can't sleep, Every Mind Matters can help with advice and practical tips http://everymindmatters.co.uk

Cllr Sean Fielding, Executive Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing at Bolton Council said: “Regular exercise is the perfect medicine for a more positive and healthy state of mind.

“Your body’s ‘feel good’ chemicals, endorphins and serotonin, are released during exercise which boosts your mood.

“Exercise also helps clear your mind from any negative thoughts you may have, and it helps you feel fitter and stronger.

“A brisk walk may be all you need, and it is free, but there are lots of other ways to keep active with something to suit all tastes and abilities so check out the Let’s Keep Bolton Moving website and see what’s best for you.”

Cllr Emily Mort, Bolton Council’s Mental Health Champion, added: “Most people struggle at times with life’s challenges, so it’s important to keep active and talk to people as it helps protect our mental health and wellbeing.

“Whether it is a short term trauma or a long-term health condition there’s loads of different support in Bolton.

“If you are seriously concerned about your own or somebody else’s mental health, please ask for help from the NHS Mental Health Crisis Line at 0800 953 0285, or the Samaritans on 116 123 or SMS: Text SHOUT to 85258.”