Mental health charity Lancashire Mind have launched a ‘Love from Lancashire’ calendar after the success of their photo competition which they ran earlier in lockdown.



The charity asked people from across the county to post photos from anywhere in the county on their social media channels in order to create an album, called ‘Love from Lancashire’.



Lancashire Mind Fundraising Lead, Emma Bateson, said: “We are so pleased with the calendar and can't thank those who submitted photos enough for helping us to create such a lovely product.



“We think the calendar is perfect as a gift, for Christmas or birthdays, or even just as a treat to yourself.”



Lancashire Mind encourage people to practice the five ways to wellbeing - evidence-based actions, developed by the New Economics Foundation, that can make a positive difference to our mental health and wellbeing.



Emma added: “Take Notice is one of the five ways and by asking people to share images from their daily run or walk, we wanted to show how simple and effective following the five ways can be - something that has become ever more important this year as we’ve all been dealing with COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdowns.”



Like many charities, Lancashire Mind have seen a significant drop in income, down by 55 per cent, with fundraising events and activities that help support the work they do, postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19.



Emma added: “COVID-19 has affected people’s mental health very differently. This includes a lot of people experiencing mental distress for the first time as well as those trying to manage an existing mental health condition at an incredibly difficult and uncertain time.



“As a result, we have seen an increase in demand for our services as more people than ever reach out for help. We have, however, also seen a significant drop in our income.



“We’ve had to be a bit more creative in our fundraising ideas this year and if the calendar is successful there’s no reason why we can’t do this every year.”



The calendar will cost £10 plus p+p with all money raised going to Lancashire Mind. If you’d like to purchase a calendar, please go to https://bit.ly/LfLcalendar