'˜Messages of hope' left on Blackpool's Central Pier

Jess Johnson has been sticking notes on railings on Central Pier, Preston Docks and Avenham Park to urge sufferers to seek help.

“I suffered from post-natal depression after the birth of my daughter last year and I felt so ashamed and alone,” explained Jess.

“I felt worthless and a burden on my family. I felt like I couldn’t talk about it. But when I did it felt like a big weight had been lifted.”

Jess, 30, who spent time in a mother and baby unit to get help, targeted the docks, the park and the pier because of the number of people who have taken their own lives near there.

One of her messages says: “Between 2014 - 2016 131 females and 324 males committed suicide within Lancashire. Stop the stigma.”

Another reads: “Mental health is nothing to be ashamed of and neither is talking about it. Let’s break the stigma.”

Her campaign attracted widespread backing on social media with scores of people pledging support.

“The notes might not stop a person taking their own life, but they might help someone who is only in the early stages to reach for help before they get to that point,” she said. “There is plenty of help out there and I’m so glad I reached out for it. I’m in a much better place now thanks to the help and support I received. I’d love to think that these little notes might help someone too.”

Messages

Jess, from Bamber Bridge, tied around 30 messages “of love and hope” to posts around the dock basin.