Mum fly-posting messages of hope

Jess Johnson has been sticking notes on railings around Preston Docks, Avenham Park and Blackpool’s Central Pier 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 at home in Bamber Bridge.

“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 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.”

Jess (above) tied around 30 messages “of love and hope” to posts around the dock basin. Her campaign attracted widespread backing on social demia 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.”