A CHARITY based in Dorset has thrown its support behind a national campaign to promote mental health awareness across the county.

Dorset Mind will help raise awareness for Public Health England’s ‘Every Mind Matters’ campaign in the build-up to World Mental Health day on Thursday, October 10.

Every Mind Matters aims to encourage people to feel more empowered and confident in taking steps to support their mental health and wellbeing. The campaign will highlight the importance of talking about mental health, in a nationwide effort to counteract mental-ill health.

It aims to show that mental health is now being regarded with the same level of care and commitment as physical health by government agencies and beyond.

As part of the campaign, a new online tool will be made available to help people exercise self-care, whilst signposting to wider services for those in greater need. The online tool will enable users to find services in their local area.

The tool asks users a few questions to identify the type of issues they are facing and generates a tailored self-care action plan.

Locally, Dorset Mind will partner with Public Health Dorset to ensure that the campaign reaches the county, by promoting the new tools to help people with their mental health and wellbeing.

Marianne Storey, CEO of Dorset Mind said: “We are thrilled to be playing an active role in a Public Health England Campaign.

“We are facing increasing demands for mental health services in Dorset and wider England, and campaigns like this will help to guide the public to the whole range of mental health support, and self-help guidance that they can access easily.

“Nationwide efforts to bring mental health to the forefront of popular culture and current affairs will enable us to better support people in Dorset, whilst creating a societal shift in the way we value and support our collective mental health.”

Cllr Laura Miller, portfolio holder for adult social care and health at Dorset Council, said: “We’re really pleased to be supporting the launch of the Every Mind Matters campaign in Dorset.

“Wellbeing often takes a back seat when life gets busy or stressful, so we’re encouraging people to take the time to think about mental health and look after themselves to prevent problems from escalating – just as we do with our physical health.

“Physical activity in particular is great for your mental and physical wellbeing, but there are also loads of other things you can do like talking to a friend or relative, reading a book or doing something you enjoy.”