Two women have started a unique initiative in Bridport to offer mental health advice to help people feeling overwhelmed.

Local artist, Angie Porter, and resident, Charlie Wild have collaborated to create arty postcards with useful tips regarding mental health.

After meeting at the local sauna haus in Seatown at the end of last year, the pair got to talking about the topic of mental health and decided to do something positive for the local community.

With funding from Steps2Wellbeing, a mental health support service, Ms Porter and Ms Wild created informative postcards which can be found in local businesses for customers to pick up and take home.

Ms Wild said: "The idea is simple. The postcards have some simple tips on the back that people can refer to if they are feeling overwhelmed - something we can all relate to from the last two years.

"There are also all the numbers you may need if you feel you want to get in touch with a professional to talk a bit further."

Ms Porter, who created the artwork and design for the cards, said: "You don’t necessarily want something on your fridge that says 'look I’m all about mental health'! So having a picture of a dog or a nice seascape is far nicer and friendlier to look at!

"It’s amazing how something as simple as take three breaths, go for a walk or contact a friend can have on shifting your mood. But sometimes if we are in the middle of a down patch, it is easy to forget how you can do minute things to at least make things feel that bit more bearable. If we can help just one person who is struggling then it’s worth it."

She added: "The response so far from local businesses has been brilliant. We have already had requests to restock the cards in a few places, and I have had someone from a charity in Devon contact me to have them posted over.

"Mental health is something we are becoming far more aware of and are open to talking about since the pandemic and the constant negativity in the news. This is a simple, small thing we can do to hopefully help."

The postcards are free and can be found in businesses in Bridport including the Tourist Information and Library. For more information email charlotte.d.wild@gmail.com