Man behind #FindMike campaign launches mental health workshops for teens
The man behind the global viral campaign is attempting to further raise awareness of mental health.
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 – has announced the launch of ‘ThinkWell’.
‘ThinkWell’ will be aimed at students aged 13-18, 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 incredibly important issue.
The workshops will focus on educating the next generation about their mental well-being.
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.
He also wants to challenge the stereotypes and stigma associated with mental health.
“Mental health is one of the last taboos in our society. I know first hand the prejudices and stereotypes that surround it,” he said.
“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 added that the current education offered on the subject in schools is seriously lacking – something he hopes ‘ThinkWell’ will help change.
“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,” he said.
“Instead I suffered in silence.”
‘ThinkWell’ will be launched nationwide from today – find out more here.
