Lincolnshire Police supports Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) – an annual event designed to shine a spotlight on mental health and the support available.

The week-long scheme aims to ignite a conversation in our communities around mental health and how things in our day-to-day lives can impact it.

Many people in our county will have felt the pressures of life more keenly in the last year thanks to a pandemic, which has left many of us unable to see our friends and family.

People up and down Lincolnshire have – despite the best efforts of kind-hearted individuals and organisations – felt isolated.

It's important to realise this sensation is not uncommon, with The Royal College of Psychiatrists highlighting the sharp rise in mental ill health after the first lockdown last March.

Its analysis of NHS and ONS data revealed there were 80,226 more under-18s referred to NHS mental health services in England between April and December 2020 than the same period in 2019.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Chris Davison said: "I know it can be difficult to admit that you aren't feeling well or are under pressure.

"If you have a friend or a loved one who you think may be struggling, ask them how they are – listen – and ask again.

"You may just give them permission to tell you how they are feeling, and the confidence to seek further help. A conversation can save a life."

Force Chaplain Tanya Lord said: "We all have mental health – sometimes it's good and sometimes it's not.

"Life events can come and change things unexpectedly and our mental health can suffer.

"We need not suffer alone.

"Please reach out and talk to someone, and please don't be afraid to reach in and ask someone 'are you ok'? And be brave enough to ignore the stock answer of 'yes all good' and ask again!"

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer Melanie Cowell said: "As someone who lives with a mental health condition, I know how important it is to ask for help.

"If you are struggling with your mental health and can pluck up the courage please talk to someone you can trust and or contact one of the excellent services in Lincolnshire like steps2change.

"You are important, and you matter, please don't struggle alone."

Nature is the chosen theme for this year's awareness week – and was selected because it is known to be an effective way of tackling mental health problems and protecting our wellbeing.

Research by the Mental Health Foundation shows that communities across the UK have looked to nature during the coronavirus crisis to alleviate their troubles and sustain good mental health.

Lincolnshire Police has released a series of videos to staff in a bid to highlight the importance of mental health and support those putting their lives on the line every day in difficult circumstances.

And it's just as important that the people we protect feel like they matter and have someone to speak to as well.

For more information about MHAW, and to find help if you're struggling with your mental health, visit https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/

You can contact your GP to discuss any concerns you may have, and you can also self-refer yourself to steps2change Lincolnshire.

Alternatively, you can speak to a professional via the Mental Health Helpline on 0800 001 4331.

There are also multiple mobile apps on all platforms to help manage and sustain your mental health