The biggest ever mental health advertising campaign is being launched on Britain's buses.

Leading mental health charity Mind has teamed up with outdoor advertising agency TDI Cares to launch the initiative which is aimed at breaking down the barriers surrounding mental health problems.

The campaign, launched in London, is backed by agony aunt Claire Rayner, film producer Sir David Puttman and Terry Waite among others.

Posters with the slogan "Mental Illness Should Not Be Faced Alone" and the Mind helpline number 0345 660 163 will appear on hundreds of buses across the UK and on London Underground stations.

One in four people in Britain are affected by mental health problems each year. But experts from the charity Mind claim mental illness is still stigmatised by society.

Judi Clements, chief executive of Mind, said: "Mind is delighted to be involved with the TDI Cares campaign and we are confident that it will help to break down some of the stigma surrounding mental health problems."

This is the fourth year that American-owned TDI Cares has launched an advertising campaign in the UK, each of which focuses on a topical social issue including Aids, child abuse and the environment.

Approximately £500,000 worth of advertising space has been reserved for the campaign on UK buses.

Mike Baker, TDI's marketing director, said: "The Christmas season is a stressful one, so the campaign comes at a relevant time for many people. With Mind's in-depth knowledge and excellent reputation we hope that together we can raise awareness of mental illness."

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