NORTHUMBERLAND Labour is marking the launch of Mental Health Awareness Week.

This year the theme is nature and how connecting with the natural world can support good mental health.

Acting leader of Northumberland Labour Group Scott Dickinson said: “We welcome the fact that so many more people are talking about mental health.

“We’re pleased that the Mental Health Foundation, which is hosting Mental Health Awareness Week for the 21st year, is asking people to share their stories of how being close to nature has improved their mental health.

“We are so lucky to live in a beautiful county where it’s possible for most people to get out and about, just to enjoy the natural world, wildlife and the landscape. We’ve got some lovely parks, rivers, woods and beaches. However, it’s also important that this awareness week highlights those people who haven’t been able to access nature.

“Connecting with nature is a basic human need and, if there are people who feel they have not had access for whatever reason, we’d like to hear from them so we can find out why they haven’t been able to do this look at ways of connecting them with their natural surroundings.”