STAFF at a health organisation are turning their clothes inside out to raise awareness of a mental health campaign.

Workers at NHS Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) will carry out the clothing challenge today (Wednesday, September 10).

The fundraising initiative is for the If U Care Share Foundation, a charity which promotes emotional wellbeing in young people and supports families affected by suicide.

Today (Wednesday) is World Suicide Prevention Day and the foundation wants people to start conversations about mental health and reveal what is “inside out”.

People nationally are asked to wear at least one item of clothing inside out to highlight the importance of talking about thoughts and feelings.

Dr George Campbell, Whitby GP and vice chair and mental health lead for the CCG said: “Wearing our clothes inside out for the day is a small but important gesture that recognises our commitment to mental health and will help to start conversations about people’s feelings and this important area of healthcare.

“We hope other local organisations and businesses will join in the day, which will be a fun way of raising awareness about a very serious issue.”

The CCG has focused on improving mental health care in recent months.

New developments include developing a Section 136 Place of Safety at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton which will be up and running in early October. It will allow a joint assessment of a patient by a doctor and mental health professional.

It has also set up liaison psychiatry for patients in hospital with a physical ailment where there are also concerns about the patient’s mental health. The service at the Friarage will soon become a 24 hour service.