A CITY ice hockey club has teamed up with a county mental health charity to give a boost to the community during lockdown.

Oxford City Stars and Oxfordshire Mind have launched a mental health awareness campaign designed to provide people with advice around managing lockdown and encouraging people to talk.

The ice hockey club will be sharing advice and support all this week via social media in support of the mental health charity.

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It comes as national research by charity Mind found more than 60 per cent of adults and more than two-thirds of young people felt their mental health had deteriorated during the pandemic.

Club director Greig Box Turnbull said: “Looking after mental health individually and collectively has always been important.

“But the effects of Covid-19 has now made it more important than ever to raise awareness, encourage conversations and provide support.

“As a club we wanted to use our reach to help increase awareness of Oxfordshire Mind’s services as widely as possible.

“We’re encouraging our supporters to share the messages, look out for each other and if you need further support please contact Oxfordshire Mind who can help.”

Chief executive of Oxfordshire Mind Dan Knowles said: “Mental health is incredibly important, and the pandemic is placing huge amounts of stress on our mental health.

“Covid-19 has affected the lives and routines of most of us and Stars fans and staff will be missing match-days and the sense of community and identity the club provides.

“This partnership will help us increase our awareness and the information the club will be sharing will be everyday tips that can help people support themselves and others.”