The Vicar of Mossley has some very important advice for us all in his column this week.

Last week I was glad to attend a two day course to be trained as a Youth Mental Health First Aider. 

It was fascinating to spend time with professionals, talking through how best we can support our youngsters and their families, and all those in our care, going through mental health crises and wider issues.

These days we are rightly much more aware of the issues of mental health, and the damage that ignoring how we feel for an extended period can do to our health and well-being. 

Throughout the past year, many of us will have encountered stress and strain the like of which we never have before, and for some this is continuing. 

It has been an especially stressful and difficult time for our youngsters as they have lived with the ground of education and home life constantly moving beneath their feet for such a long period.

Take a moment this week to check in with someone - to ask how they feel and to really listen to the answer, and if your help is needed, in whatever way, to offer it.

If we could all do that, the world would be a kinder place, and we’d all be happier and healthier. 

It’s not much: just pick up the phone and ask ‘how are you?’

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