The Lancashire Telegraph is delighted to welcome Martin Furber to the team as a weekly contributor.

Every Wednesday, Martin will write a column for the benefit of both our print and digital readers, offering advice on how to manage your mental health and tips for better well-being.

Below, Martin introduces himself, explains his credential and addresses what he'd like to achieve in his weekly column. 

I’d like to say a big hello to all Lancashire Telegraph readers and welcome you to my new column. I am a mental health and well-being professional based in Preston and Darwen.

Mental health issues can affect anyone at any time, sometimes when we least expect it. Even with all the recent publicity stating "It’s okay not to be okay" we don’t always feel we are able to talk about mental health issues.

Many of you may feel uncomfortable bringing up the subject with family, neighbours or colleagues. My new column is here to help you. I want to get mental health issues into the open and get the conversation flowing with you.

Although I work outside of the NHS, I am on the CNHC register which means GPs can refer people to me. I help people on a one-to-one basis from my practice in Preston and also promote mental health and well-being in the workplace throughout Lancashire and nationally.

I’ll be offering you some simple techniques to maintain good mental health and showing you how you can build mental resilience so that you don’t just cope better but can actually thrive mentally in difficult times.

I’ll also be advising you on some of the signs to watch out for that can indicate someone you know is struggling with their mental health and what you can do to help them.

I doubt there is a single person who has not been affected in some way since Covid-19 reared its ugly head just over a couple of years ago. The feelings of isolation and loneliness it caused have had long-term effects on many people and have been made worse by the stress and anxiety caused by recent world events in Europe.

Combine this with the financial uncertainty many people are facing with the cost of virtually everything we need from food to fuel and mortgages rising, and it is easy to see how we are facing a potential explosion of mental health issues.

If there are any particular aspects of mental health you would like me to cover please get in touch by emailing the editor at richard.duggan@newsquest.co.uk.

I look forward to hearing from you.

If you feel you are in a mental health crisis or emergency and may be in danger of causing harm to yourself or others then please contact your GP, The Samaritans on 116 123 or attend A&E.