Mansfield and Warsop MP Ben Bradley is celebrating the launch of Mental Health Awareness Week, the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health.

The week, which is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, is in its 20th year and runs from 18-24 May.

This year, the theme for the week is kindness. Ben said: “Mental health is a key priority for Government, particularly during this Covid-19 outbreak.

“Whether you are working from home; being furloughed; self-isolating; dealing with bereavement; being a keyworker; home schooling your children; being isolated from family and friends; or worrying about money, there are so many reasons to be mindful of your mental health.

“I hope that everyone across Mansfield and Warsop gets involved and takes steps to look after their mental health. I will be encouraging constituents to share their stories and pictures during the week using #KindnessMattersand #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek’

Mark Rowland, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said: “This year may be the most important week we have ever hosted, as cope with and begin think about recovering from the coronavirus pandemic. We must do all we can to reduce the psychological and social impacts of the pandemic which are likely to last far longer than its physical effects.

“At time when we must socially isolate, stories of kindness have helped spread a shared sense of connection and joy. The research backs this up – kindness is deeply connected to mental health. The message this Mental Health Awareness Week is that kindness matters. It matters to our mental health and it will matter hugely in the society we build from here – one that better protects our mental health.”