A MENTAL health charity is launching a calendar after the success of a photo competition it ran earlier in lockdown.

Lancashire Mind is launching the Love from Lancashire calendar after it asked people from across the county to post photos from anywhere in Lancashire on its social media channels in order to create an album.

Fundraising lead Emma Bateson said: “We initially had the idea as a way of bringing people together and showcasing our beautiful county.

“At the time people were only able to venture out locally and there were many places that people missed visiting.

“We came up with the idea of a calendar so the pictures could be enjoyed all year round - and we’d like people to get involved again by helping us choose which images to use.”

The charity encourages people to practice the five ways to wellbeing developed by the New Economics Foundation that can make a positive difference to people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Miss Bateson said: “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.”

Like many charities, Lancashire Mind has seen a significant drop in income with fundraising events and activities that help support the work they do, postponed or cancelled due to Covid-19.

Ms Bateson said: “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.

“As well as income from the sale of the calendars we’re also asking local businesses to get involved and sponsor a month to help us cover the initial costs of printing etcetera.”