CUMBRIA'S first ‘Kindness Day’ is coming next week.

November 13 will combine the efforts of charities, schools, local businesses and third-sector organisations to combat social isolation and associated mental health problems.

Tying in with World Kindness Day, the initiative will be the culmination of a digitally-coordinated push to promote increased social cooperation in the region, having already helped draw attention to subjects like ‘neighbourly values’.

Using the ‘Kind Cumbria’ hashtag, the initiative - thought up by a collection of third-sector organisations including ACTion with Communities in Cumbria (ACT) - aims to underline neglected issues to share local stories.

Lorraine Smyth, ACT’s CEO said: “Anyone can get involved in the campaign on social media using the hashtag #KindCumbria”.