TO mark World Mental Health Day, NHS borders is highlighting the was people can access help and support in the Borders.

Today (October 10) is World Mental Health Day, with this year's theme being making mental health a global priority.

During the summer, the Scottish Borders Joint Health Improvement Team joined with local rugby clubs to raise awareness of the support available in the region.

The partnership worked with six Borders clubs – Kelso RFC, Galashiels RFC, Jed-Forest RFC, Selkirk RFC, Melrose RFC, and Hawick RFC – as part of the 'Kick Your Worries into Touch' campaign which aims to promote mental health and wellbeing.

Dr Sohail Bhatti, director of Public Health at NHS Borders, said: “We all have an important role to play in suicide prevention and reducing the stigma that surrounds mental health, particularly men’s mental health.

"The only way we can stop that stigma is by encouraging people to ask for help.

"We are delighted to be working in partnership with local rugby clubs to normalise talking about mental health worries and getting people the help they need to support their wellbeing.”

The partnership also attended rugby 7s events around the region, with other organisations such as Breathing Space, Quarriers and Andy's Man's Club, to get people – especially young men – talking about their mental health.

As part of Gala 7s, Galashiels players wore t-shirts from United to Prevent Suicide which featured hashtags such as #tacklethestigma and #talk.

The six clubs which took part in the Kick Your Worries into Touch campaign also provided players and staff with training on mental health improvement and suicide prevention.

Support in the Borders can be accessed via a range of services.

Self-help resources can be found through NHS Borders' Wellbeing Point, where people can also book appointments to speak with a local wellbeing adviser.

Support can also be found through Togetherall or by contacting Breathing Space for free and confidential help on 0800 83 85 87.