A 2025 calendar has been published by The Little Push 4 Good, a York-based mental health charity, to coincide with World Mental Health Day (10th October).
‘Let There Be Light’ is specifically church-focused, marking significant dates in the Christian calendar and accompanied by landscape photographs with Bible passages about light. Archbishop Stephen has provided a foreword for the calendar, where he reflects on the Biblical imagery of light and how it relates to mental health.
James Turton (pictured) founded the charity after experiencing the impact of mental illness in his close family. He was inspired by a sermon at his church – St Mary’s, Strensall – by Canon Robert Law, who preached on 1 Peter 4.10, ‘Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.’ James recognised the importance of using his skills to serve his community, and The Little Push 4 Good was founded in 2023.
James said, “There was a moment in church that day that has changed my focus in life. I suddenly realised what my path should be, and since that sermon by Canon Law I have felt a burning motivation to try and make a positive change to how we approach recovery from mental illness.”
Working alongside the NHS, The Little Push 4 Good supports people who are already in therapy by providing grants to access new hobbies, physical activities, or artistic pursuits. The charity is hoping to raise £100,000 to support over 500 people within the Diocese of York.
James is an amateur photographer and used his own photographs in the calendar. He said, “I love getting out there and capturing the beauty of the world. It’s really important to my mental wellbeing.”
“I hope the calendar will become an important part of how we raise funds to help people, and something the church community really wants to engage with and looks forward to receiving. I hope this will enable you to do your own “Little Push” for better mental health in the community by getting in touch – ordering is really easy.”
The calendar can be purchased from James directly, either for individuals or for churches to sell on. A preview can be downloaded below.‘
Let There Be Light’ costs £10 + postage & packing. To place an order, please contact James Turton: info@thelittlepush4good.org.uk, 07801 146105.
