Bamber Bridge mum-of-two reveals why she is fly-posting messages across Preston this Valentine's Day

A Bamber Bridge woman says small acts of kindness can make a big difference in battling loneliness on Valentine's Day.
By Matthew Calderbank
Published 13th Feb 2020, 15:05 BST
Updated 14th Feb 2020, 09:26 BST
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Jess Johnson, 32, is the founder of Messages of Love and Hope, an initiative she began two years ago in a bid to combat loneliness in Preston.

The mum-of-two has since fly-posted thousands of bite-sized messages aimed at boosting people's spirits.

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The brightly coloured affirmations and blessings have appeared across the city, including Preston Docks, Avenham Park and the bus station.

"It's OK to be sad", reads a note next to the basin at Preston Docks."It's OK to be sad", reads a note next to the basin at Preston Docks.
"It's OK to be sad", reads a note next to the basin at Preston Docks.

Jess said she began reaching out to strangers after suffering post-natal depression following the birth of her daughter in 2017.

Sharing her story with the Lancashire Post in 2018, Jess revealed how she was inspired to help others with their mental health by reminding them that they are not alone.

You can read Jess's story here.

At Christmas, Jess stepped up her campaign with hundreds of messages sharing hope and solidarity across Preston and South Ribble.

Jess Johnson has been sticking notes on railings around Preston Docks, Avenham Park and Blackpools Central Pier in a bid to spread positivity and reduce lonelinessJess Johnson has been sticking notes on railings around Preston Docks, Avenham Park and Blackpools Central Pier in a bid to spread positivity and reduce loneliness
Jess Johnson has been sticking notes on railings around Preston Docks, Avenham Park and Blackpools Central Pier in a bid to spread positivity and reduce loneliness
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This week, in the days leading up to Valentine's Day, Jess has again taken to the streets to remind people to reach out to others if they are feeling alone.

"There is plenty of hope and help out there and I'm so glad I reached out for it," said Jess.

"I know that Valentine's Day can be incredibly hard for people that are alone. It gets bigger and more extravagant every year.

"And I’m guilty of scrolling through the perfectly posed bouquets and thoughtful gifts on social media, thinking to myself, "why am I not worthy of this kind of love?"

"Mental health is nothing to be ashamed of, and neither is talking about it", reads another note."Mental health is nothing to be ashamed of, and neither is talking about it", reads another note.
"Mental health is nothing to be ashamed of, and neither is talking about it", reads another note.
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"But I’m in a much better place now thanks to the help and support I received, and I’d love to think that these little notes might help someone too."

A vibrant medley of mindful messages has raised the smiles of passersby this week.

"Be determined to make yourself happy", a note urges waiting passengers at a bus stop at Preston Docks.

"No matter how hard it is, or how hard it gets, you are going to make it", encourages another.

The bite-sized affirmations of hope and solidarity are putting a smile on people's faces this weekThe bite-sized affirmations of hope and solidarity are putting a smile on people's faces this week
The bite-sized affirmations of hope and solidarity are putting a smile on people's faces this week
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"Be kind, be strong, keep going, keep smiling - you got this!," beams another from a traffic island at a junction near the M6 in Fulwood.

"People come to Preston Docklands and they see the notes that I leave around, and it hopefully brightens their day", said Jess.

"You really can make a difference to a complete strangers life."

Related topics:PrestonLancashire PostSouth Ribble