Staff at Cumbria’s mental health trust are handing wellbeing packs to patients to mark a national campaign.

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW), which provides mental health and disability services, is backing Mental Health Awareness Week, running from Monday.

This year’s theme is kindness, and staff at the trust will be raising awareness by putting together the packs for patients who are not able to have visitors due to the Covid-19 restrictions.

John Lawlor, chief executive at CNTW, said: “The wellbeing packs will hopefully serve as a pick-me-up and bring some comfort in these testing times.”

The act of kindness is possible thanks to donations from businesses and money donated from Colonel Tom Moore’s fundraising efforts.

About 650 packs will be distributed, containing toiletries, snacks and activities to keep them entertained, such as puzzle books.

Mr Lawlor added: “In these challenging times, kindness has prevailed all over the world. We have learnt that while there is a lot of fear and uncertainty, there is also kindness, spirit and hope.

“It has been heart-warming to see our members of staff helping each other during this difficult time and going above and beyond to make patients and colleagues feel supported. We cannot thank our staff enough for their unfailing and unwavering kindness.”

Mental health can affect anyone at any time, with one-in-four people experiencing problems with their mental health at some point in their lives.

Acts of kindness are not only good for the recipient but they can be good for our own mental health and wellbeing; helping to reduce stress and improve emotional wellbeing.

While Mental Health Awareness Week might usually have been celebrated with events or get-togethers, this year CNTW has asked its staff to send acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, to be shared on social media. The Trust will be posting these throughout the week.