Local charity Age UK Lancashire has teamed up with mental wellbeing organisation Its Mental to support people of all ages through lock down and beyond.

Together, with the support of Creative Individuals, a Lancashire based Marketing agency, they have created a series of inspirational podcasts aimed at helping people cope with the anxiety and stress that the Coronavirus pandemic has caused.

Stephen Robinson, Founder of Its Mental said: “The idea behind the podcast is to give people advice and techniques to help them if they are struggling during lock down.  We have special guests each week who give expert tips and discuss their personal experiences”.

The Be Calm and Carry On podcast has a different theme for each episode covering subjects such as staying active, being calm, mindfulness and being grateful.

They are available to download on Spotify and can also be accessed directly through the Age UK Lancashire and Its Mental websites.

David Ward from Age UK Lancashire said: “We were really keen to be proactive through this period of uncertainty and try to reach people in a different way.  We know from experience the negative effect being lonely, vulnerable and not having the chance to socialise can have on people’s mental wellbeing, so teaming up with Its Mental seemed like the perfect way to try and help”.

Episode 2 of the podcast features actress and singer, Jodie Prenger, best known as the winner of BBC television series I'd Do Anything in 2008 and the second series of The Biggest Loser in 2006.  Jodie has been supporting Age UK Lancashire during isolation by ringing up older people through their Good Day Calls service.

David Ward added: “We were delighted to get Jodie on board, and we had a really good chat about her life and her involvement with our charity.  The guests we have had on have been really knowledgeable and inspiration so we really hope people will listen in and enjoy”.

To support the podcast, Its Mental are also providing free mental wellbeing group coaching sessions to anyone who feels they need more support.  The courses are provided via video link and delivered by professional coaches.

Stephen Robinson added: “It’s important that people feel they have someone there to support them and the free coaching sessions can provide guidance and comfort.  We also wanted to support the great work Age UK Lancashire are doing right now so are asking people to make a voluntary donation after they have been on the course”.

The Be Calm and Carry on podcast is available to download on Spotify now and through the Its Mental website, with new episodes being released each week.  More information on the podcast and the free coaching sessions can be found by visiting www.itsmental.co.uk/be-calm-and-carry-on or the Art of Isolation section of www.ageuk.org.uk/lancashire/activities-and-events/art-of-isolation/mindfulness/ 

Go ahead and give it a listen.