AT 75, estate agent Bill Jackson ought to be putting his mind to a more comfortable night under the stars than the doorway of Jackson Property’s King Street office.

But, committed to help raise awareness of how poor mental health can affect anyone, Bill has chosen to support The Cart Shed’s springtime campaign The Big Sleep In by sleeping rough during Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from May 10 to 16.

The Cart Shed trustee was inspired by the charity’s ethos, which resonated with his own commitment to Herefordshire and the healing power of the natural environment.

“At The Cart Shed we’ve always known being in the natural environment is good for us” said chief executive officer Katie Eastaugh,

“During the last year, many of us have discovered how important it is to notice and value our world, whether that’s a dramatic sunrise from a favourite viewpoint, a rogue dandelion pushing its way through a crack in a pavement.”

The ‘Virtual Woodland’ the Cart Shed’s team developed during coronavirus ensured they stayed in touch with their participants. Activity packs were delivered to people’s homes by volunteers, so participants had all the materials and digital support they needed to get involved – and every session included time to go outside.

Other help is at hand with the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Healthy Minds service,

Cognitive behavioural therapist Kerry Davies said: “Healthy Minds offers a range of groups and courses which are aimed at helping people to boost their mood, build self-esteem, better manage anxiety and worry or prevent the risk of relapse from recurrent depression in order to live a more fulfilled life.”

The service helps people aged 16 and over who are experiencing common mental health difficulties such as stress anxiety, low mood or depression.

If you think you need support, contact the Healthy Minds team on 0300 0135 727. You don’t need a referral from a GP. For more information on The Cart Shed, visit www.thecartshed.co.uk