Bolton has rung in mental health awareness week by forging links between police officers and students.

As part of a series of events aimed at raising awareness about the importance of mental health issues, a police community support officer was invited onto the campus at the University of Bolton.

Both Greater Manchester Police and the university hope that this could help build a productive partnership.

A police spokesperson said: “As part of the Mental Health Awareness Week Bolton University invited PCSO Jackson to attend their campus.

“Various agencies involved with mental health were also present, handing out literature, speaking to the students and more importantly building a stronger partnership network so that people can be signposted to the most relevant support group when they need help.”

Mental health awareness week runs all this week and aims to heighten awareness not just in Bolton but all across the country about the various mental ailments that people can suffer from.

By carrying out events like PCSO Jackson’s visit to the university, organisers hope to break down the stigma around mental health and to encourage more people to come forward for treatment.

They also hope that more people will also reach out to those that they think may be struggling.