COUNCIL buildings will be lit up once again tonight (Monday) to help lift people's spirits and to shine a spotlight on mental health on what's considered the 'most depressing day of the year'.

Dudley Council House in Dudley town centre and Stourbridge Town Hall will be lit up today on what's often dubbed ‘Blue Monday’ due to the gloomy weather, post Christmas debt and money worries that often plague people on the third Monday in January.

Stourbridge News: Stourbridge Town Hall. Pic - Dudley CouncilStourbridge Town Hall. Pic - Dudley Council

And with the global pandemic and a third national lockdown heaping further strain on people’s mental wellbeing this one is likely gloomier than ever for some.

Council chiefs, however, hope to reassure people they are not alone and that help, in many forms, is available.

They hope the lighting up of the buildings will not only raise awareness of the importance of good mental health and kindness but also the varied free support that’s available in the Dudley borough which people can find out ore about online at https://lets-get.com/.

Green, is the international colour for mental health awareness and is also often seen as the colour of optimism, new beginnings and hope.

People across the borough have also been invited to wear green clothing or a green ribbon, change logos or social media channels to incorporate the green ribbon and share supportive mental health messages on social media throughout the day. People have also been encouraged to hold virtual coffee mornings to check in on family, friends and colleagues and to send messages of hope by displaying a picture of a green ribbon in their windows.

Councillor Nicolas Barlow, Dudley Council's cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "January can be a challenging month at the best of times but with the pandemic affecting all our lives many people are facing difficulties with their mental health.

"This campaign is all about solidarity and support for one other, so I am asking everyone in Dudley borough to go green and reach out to family, friends and colleagues.

"I would also urge anyone struggling with their mental health to take a look at the many resources and services that could benefit them, no one should feel alone."

More information and a green rainbow resource pack is available from the Lets Get Healthy Dudley website.