AN NHS worker is fighting mental health stigma across Dorset after seeing the effects the Covid-19 pandemic has left on his family and friends.

Father-of-two Iain Roswell, aged 39, of Littlemoor, works as a NHS mental health counsellor and said he is inundated with clients, who have mental health issues, asking for appointments.

Mr Roswell is now bidding to raise cash for mental health charity Dorset Mind, which he believes will be 'swamped' after more people have experienced a mental health crisis during the pandemic than ever previously recorded, according to Mind.

Family-man Mr Roswell said: "I've started a project where I will either walk, cycle or swim a mile a day for an entire year to raise £365 for Dorset Mind.

"I work as a mental health counsellor for the NHS so I've seen firsthand the damage the pandemic has done to people's mental wellbeing.

"Close friends and family who have never suffered with anxiety or depression have had these issues.

"I chose to raise the cash for Dorset Mind because it's a local organisation, which will most likely be swamped with helping issues once lockdown is over."

Mr Roswell works in the Linden Unit at Westhaven Hospital said since he became a qualified counsellor at the beginning of last year, he and his colleagues saw a sharp rise in demand for their services during the tail end of 2020.

"After the year we just had, my message to others is to say there's no shame in admitting you have mental health issues," said Mr Roswell.

"Mental health needs to be normalised.

"The services to help people are out there - but it's up to people to reach out to these services."

Marianne Storey, Dorset Mind CEO, said: "This past year has been immensely difficult for us all mentally.

"Iain has recently qualified as a counsellor and understands the importance of people talking about their problems.

"They shouldn't be afraid to reach out for help.

"By doing this challenge, Iain will help raise awareness and vital funds for us to provide support in Dorset.

"Importantly, by getting active for at least one mile a day - he'll also be making a positive contribution to his own mental wellbeing. We'll be following Iain's progress and supporting his journey throughout the year."

To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/iain-rowsell2