AS RED January draws to a close Mind in Furness will be making sure it goes out with a bang by joining the first ever Mental Health Mile in Barrow.

The event - open to all ages and abilities - will take place on January 27 in Barrow Park and then on one Sunday every month throughout 2019.

The mile event is a way for everyone to enter an achievable, regular event for the first time ever and to encourage people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels to get together and run, walk and talk.

#mentalhealthmile events have been taking place in Williamson Park, Lancaster on one Sunday each month for over a year after Louise Goddard, from LegItLancaster came up with the idea.

The Barrow event has been organised by Janice Callister and Ian Jones with the support of local running group the Walney Wind Cheetahs.

Barrow Park has plenty of parking in the overspill car park and the route is part of the regular Barrow parkrun course.

It starts at 3pm from the bandstand with toilets and cafe facilities to hand.

All levels are welcomed with plenty of volunteers on the day to help encourage and support the participants.

Tesco, Unite the Union, BAE and Walney Wind Cheetahs have agreed to support the events.

Karen Dobson, Mind in Furness Chief Officer said: “Our involvement in RED January for the last two years and this, our third, year has really highlighted to us and those taking part the importance of activity and exercise on good mental wellbeing.

“We encourage people to try the mental health mile initiative as a way of boosting your activity levels, looking after your physical and mental wellbeing and making friends and being a part of your local community.”

Jo Waddington, WWC secretary, said the group were delighted to support this new initiative, adding: “We are really keen to get involved and many of our members have already pledged to run or volunteer at events.”

Unite branch chairman Mike Jones said: “Unite Barrow Branch 0401 are proud to be able to support an exciting new venture which will benefit the local community.”

Tesco are supplying water and fruit to participants at each of the events.

Nat Welhan, store community champion, added: “Tesco are happy and proud to be associated with such a worthy project.”

BAE Mental Health Champions are also supporting the project.

Event organisers would also like to thank Graphix Design for all their help and advice with equipment and marketing materials.

Entry fee is £3 per person or £10 for a family. There is no charge for children aged 4 years and under.

Please visit eventbrite and search for #mentalhealthmile Barrow to register your details.

You will be issued with a ticket which you must bring with you on the day. Registration will take place on the day from 2.30pm.

Please turn up early to register and pay and to collect your run number.

Profits from entry fees (after organisational expenses) will be split between Mind in Furness and Positive Futures North West.

For more information please contact Janice Callister on 07717417222 or email janice.callister@hotmail.com or Ian Jones on 07960 235880 email ianl.jones@sky.com

The second event is on February 17 and the start time will always be 3pm from the bandstand.