A social enterprise is continuing its work with local businesses to promote happiness and boost mental wellbeing.
Group Hug, founded by Leyburn resident Jonathan Greenwood, aims to help people achieve better mental health by providing support and encouragement.
The group delivered hundreds of goodie bags to vulnerable people and key workers during the lockdown.
Their new campaign, Get 5 A Day For Your Mental Health, hopes to help tackle mental health issues by encouraging people to use five simple tasks every day, to improve wellbeing and happiness.
Jonathan said: “We all know that we should eat five a day to stay healthy, but I believe we should be doing the same for our mental health.
“Get 5 A Day For Your Mental Health shows people that it doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes to break out of a bad pattern.
“Small steps every day can make a huge difference.’’
Since its creation, Group Hug has gained support from 68 local businesses, covering North and East Yorkshire. Some have gone one step further in their support by creating bespoke products, donating a percentage of their proceeds to Group Hug.
Jonathan said he had been blown away by the support from local business owners:
‘’It shows how strong the community feeling is in the Dales that so many businesses want to be a part of this project.
“So far, we’ve got White Rose Candles making a Group Hug candle, a sausage at Hall’s Butchers, a coffee blend at the Alchemist’s Cottage and a special on the menu at The King’s Arms in Reeth,”
Campbell’s of Leyburn, one of Group Hug’s biggest supporters, is helping to drive the campaign with tips and suggestions posted throughout the store.
The team said they were thrilled to be involved with the campaign.
“We thought the idea of a mental health 5 a day was brilliant,’’ said owner Kath Campbell.
“It’s such a simple idea but it could really help to spread awareness about mental health issues and encourage people to take time to look after themselves, physically and emotionally.”
The campaign will run until Christmas, with suggestions and daily encouragements and tips across Group Hug social media channels.
The Group Hug app is due to launch in March 2021 and will offer a sympathetic ear and much-needed support to those who are struggling. You can find out more at https://www.grouphugapp.org
