SENIOR councillors are among those showing their support for mental health awareness this month.

The leader and deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, along with two cabinet members have joined RED January, a community initiative that encourages people to support their mental health by doing something active every single day.

Coun. Cath Homer, cabinet member with responsibility for sport and leisure, signed up to the initiative and then encouraged fellow cabinet members to follow suit.

“January is often a difficult month for many people and the opportunity to increase fitness at the same time as increasing awareness of the link between physical activity and improved mental health was too good an opportunity to ignore,” she said.

“Having colleagues join in gives added encouragement, particularly on hectic and difficult days. It’s not too late to join us.”

Coun. Homer, who represents Hexham East, has been cycling, swimming and participating in fitness classes. Coun. Peter Jackson, Coun. Wayne Daley and Coun. Nick Oliver have also taken on the challenge.

RED January runs in partnership with mental health charity Mind. The councillors are fund-raising for Northumberland and Tyneside Mind with more details at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ncc4