May is Mental Health Month.

So this is an opportunity for us all to help each other and to learn more about mental health and well being.

Mental health problems are usually disturbances in the ways that people think, feel and behave.

Staying well can be as simple as connecting with family and friends!

Also your local community groups are there to support everybody. They are your strong foundation and will support and enrich your life.

Groups and GPs will advise people to take exercise because it makes you feel good.

Try to do a little at first then a little more. You might go walking, cycling, playing or dancing. Look through the local lists and be curious.

It's also worthwhile trying to find something new.

Set yourself a challenge that you will enjoy reaching.

Do something nice for a friend or stranger. Smile a bit more - you can practice in private!

For further information find 'Well being' on Gov.uk.

You can find a lot of information and support about mental health from Ulverston's MIND. Its informal drop-ins and group work are peer supportive in nature with recovery to better or improved mental health at their core.

They are led by a skilled and dedicated team of volunteers, all of whom are DBS checked and have completed Ulverston Mind's initial volunteer learning module and benefit from ongoing learning and development. An essential feature of its work and ethos is that everyone is treated with respect and equality is observed and promoted throughout the organisation.

Its groups and services include: an allotment group, 'Connecting Mums', where mums of all ages support each other, gain confidence and improve their mental wellbeing after childbirth through training, activities, day trips and play time with other mums and their toddlers and babies; community listening events; counselling and talking therapies; and well being sessions.

Also in May a special week is planned on 'Dying Matters'. This relates to the later stages of your life and is about how to plan what you want and what you don't want to happen to you.

The programme is called 'Deciding Right' and you can find out more about powers of attorney and arranging what types of treatment you may want by contacting NHS.Choices or by telephoning 01229 586404.