The Co-op is marking Mental Health Awareness Week in Sidmouth.

Now in its 23rd year, it runs from 15-21 May and is hosted by charity Mental Health Foundation. 

This year, the theme is 'anxiety'. Across the UK, people are encouraged to get involved by sharing their experience of anxiety and the things that can help with the hashtag #ToHelpMyAnxiety. As part of the campaign, the Mental Health Foundation will be publishing guidance on how we can manage and improve feelings of anxiety and prevent them from developing into a more serious mental health problem.

The Co-op is currently raising money for a surf therapy project in Sidmouth.

The Wave Project, a charity founded in 2010 in Cornwall, provides six-week short-term therapeutic surfing courses for young people aged eight to 18.

Young people are referred onto the courses by teachers, doctors, or other organisations. 

The Wave Project volunteers and participants (Nub News/ Will Goddard)

Mind is a national mental health charity and is a partner of the Co-op. The charity provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem and campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

Alexa Charnley, Director of Fundraising and Communications at the Mental Health Foundation, said: "We all experience anxiety but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem. However, there are things we can do to manage feelings of anxiety and stop them becoming overwhelming. For example, breathing exercises, physical activity, speaking to a trusted friend, or keeping a diary. You can find more information and guidance on our website mentalhealth.org.uk.

"This Mental Health Awareness Week we're encouraging everyone to get involved by sharing their experiences of anxiety and the things that help with the hashtag #ToHelpMyAnxiety. We hope people all over the UK will take part and help us to normalise conversations about anxiety and mental health. We hope the week helps people to feel more confident in talking about anxiety and how it affects them. Most importantly, we hope people understand more about what they can do to manage anxiety and what other support is available."

You can help support local causes by becoming a Co-op member.

Click here to view a print-out pocket aid designed by the Co-op.