MP encourages South Lakes residents to check in with friends and family during Mental Health Awareness Week

During Mental Health Awareness Week, local MP Tim Farron is encouraging people to check in on their friends and family.

A survey conducted by Tim back in January, of over 1600 South Lakes residents, found that well over 1 in 2 people said that their mental health was worse than this time last year.

The group who said they are struggling with their mental health the most are males aged 20-29 with nearly 6 in 10 (59%) describing their mental health as 'poor', citing increased pressure at work, relationship breakups and not being able to see friends.

Tim said: "This pandemic has turned our lives upside down and that has had huge effects on so many people's mental health and their wellbeing.

"We don't know what's going on in people's minds, but we do know that if we ask how people are and if we mean it and if we listen carefully to the answer, we can make a huge difference to someone at a very difficult time for them.

"So this week is better than any other to be aware of one another and most importantly to care for one another."