As community support groups engage in promoting awareness, the Co-op is also proud to help promote this week's Mental Health Awareness Week and wants to make sure customers and members get the support they need.

Mental Health Awareness Week, now in its 23rd year, runs until Sunday, 21 May.

The profile of the week in Thurrock was enhanced by a mural in Chadwell St Mary, featured in this story on Thurrock Nub News.

The Co-op is in partnership with three mental health charities across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. You can learn more about the partnerships and how to get support here: Our charity partnership - Co-op (coop.co.uk)

One of the Co-op's partners Mind is using this week to focus on the impact of the cost of living crisis on mental health.

Whether raising awareness or raising money, they want everyone to know support is out there.

Mind has a strong presence in the borough through its Thurrock and Brentwood branch that provides support to those that need it. You can find more information and where to find support via the link.

The Co-op has also provided some tips and tools to help support its customers:

Breathing techniques: COP42414 Q1 Pack_Breathing Techniques_A5.indd (ctfassets.net)

Catch it Check it Change it list: COP42414 Q1 Pack_Catch it Check it Change it_A4.indd (ctfassets.net)

Take a break pocket pack: COP42414 Q1 Pack_Take a break pocket aid_A3.indd (ctfassets.net)

Mental health awareness colouring: COP52991_Q4_World_Mental_Health_Day_digital.pdf (ctfassets.net)

Becoming a Co-op member helps them to support local causes and initiatives: Co-op Membership - Membership that makes a difference - Co-op (coop.co.uk)

Don't forget community groups can apply for funding through the Co-op fund that supports local projects and organisations: Applications now open for the Co-op Local Community Fund | Local initiatives