GETTING people to talk about their mental health experiences is the idea behind an initiative launched at a York shopping park in conjunction with the NHS.

Launched this month at Monks Cross Shopping Centre, the Sharing Stories initiative will feature activities throughout the year, including a book of the month themed around mental ill-health and recovery, and a readathon in March for everyone to get involved in.

Andrew Howorth, head of engagement and involvement at the Leeds and York NHS Partnership Trust, said: “There is nothing more powerful than a personal story.

“We hope that Sharing Stories will encourage people from across the region to come together and share their lived experiences and help us in our ultimate goal to stop the stigma surrounding mental health.”

Alongside this year’s campaign, Monks Cross Shopping will also be putting up the trust’s world record-breaking bunting.

The huge line of bunting, more than two miles in length, was part of a campaign last year to encourage people to set goals that are good for their wellbeing and write them on individual pieces of bunting.

Steve Whitt from Dunnington-based Fabric Gallery and Interiors said: “We were delighted to be able to help the world record-breaking bunting attempt by donating fabric to the campaign.”

If you would like to find out more about the campaign work of the trust and how you can get involved, visit sharing-stories.co.uk