Campaign launched to improve county's mental health

The council said the campaign was aimed at improving residents' wellbeing

A campaign to improve people's wellbeing has been launched in Staffordshire following concerns about mental health in the county.

Staffordshire County Council announced its Five Ways to Wellbeing campaign, aimed at helping residents to "improve their mental and emotional" health.

The local authority said the first part of the initiative would encourage residents to sign up to weekly emails "packed with inspiration, practical challenges and motivational content".

It would begin with a self-assessment and end with a reflection on participants' progress, the council added.

Councillor Martin Rogerson, cabinet member for health and care, said the county had seen a rise in emergency hospital admissions for self-harm as well as an above-average increase in new diagnoses of depression.

"Having good mental health helps us manage stress, improve our physical health, relate better to others and make healthy choices," he added.