Man behind #FindMike campaign launches mental health workshops for schoolkids

The man behind the global #FindMike campaign and subsequent Channel 4 documentary The Stranger on the Bridge, is attempting to raise awareness of mental health issues with a series of workshops aimed at 13-18-year-olds.

Jonny Benjamin – who made headlines around the world in 2014 when he launched a public appeal to help find the man who stopped him from throwing himself off Waterloo Bridge six years before and has since been honoured with an Attitude Pride Award for his work raising awareness of mental health issues – has announced the launch of ‘ThinkWell’, a new series of mental health workshops focused on educating the next generation about their mental well-being.

Jonny Benjamin ThinkWell Press 1

With an estimated 75% of all mental health problems start before the age of 18, Jonny says his aim is to empower and encourage young people to discuss and look after their mental wellbeing and simultaneously challenge the stereotypes and stigma associated with it.

“Mental health is one of the last taboos in our society. I know first hand the prejudices and stereotypes that surround it. I’m determined to change this for younger people and get people talking about mental health. It’s something we all need to engage in” he says.

“I never had any mental health education at school. I didn’t even know what mental health was whilst growing up. If I had had a workshop such as ThinkWell come to my school I think I would have sought help sooner and felt able to talk about what was happening. Instead I suffered in silence…”

‘ThinkWell’ will be launched nationwide for students aged 13 to 18, and has been designed to provide a safe and supportive environment to talk about mental health, demystify many of the stigmas – and silence – around this incredible important issue. We’re glad to see the incredible work Jonny continues to do to improve the lives of those struggling with mental health issues, as well as those around them.

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