A mental health charity has launched a campaign to help people beat the January blues.

Dorset Mind says January is a notoriously difficult month for people's mental health with darker nights, shorter days and over-spending and over-indulgence during the festive season leaving many vulnerable to depression and anxiety.

But taking part in RED January could help.

Now in its second year, RED (Run Every Day) January is a campaign that encourages people to do some form of daily exercise throughout the month to beat the blues away and raise awareness and support for mental health

Mind says this could involve walking, running, playing football, rugby or hockey, swimming, yoga, palates, boxing, martial arts or cycling.

RED is founded on research that shows physical activity can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing and even reduce symptoms of mental illness such as depression and anxiety.

In the post RED January 2018 survey, 87 per cent of people reported feeling significantly better physically and mentally, after getting active every day.

Dorset Mind hopes that through the campaign, people will be able to help them raise as much money as possible to support their work in the community.

Dorset Mind’s chief executive Marianne Storey said: “Last year several of our staff, including me, took part in the challenge and we found from experience that exercise really does boost your mental wellbeing. You gain a real sense of achievement and camaraderie from taking part in the national project alongside Mind Charity, and the online support is phenomenal.

"The best thing is that everyone benefits. You set your own challenge, whether it be simply to do five minutes walking, swimming or cycling a set distance. It means that you’re in control and can tailor your goal to your ability. RED January is a brilliant way to help start the new year. Help us raise mental health awareness – and if you can fundraise too, you’ll be ensuring that vital donations go towards helping local people achieve positive mental wellbeing.”

To take part in RED January and support Dorset Mind visit dorsetmind.uk/red-january-2019-registration