Wills and Kate try to tackle stigma of suicide with gay campaigner
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are to meet with Jonny Benjamin, a mental health campaigner, who is helping them understand the issues surrounding suicide.
Mr Benjamin will tell the royal couple that there needs to be more positive role models for people who are suffering with mental health problems, as they attend a number of events aimed at breaking down the stigma of suicide.
“People stand up and say ‘I beat cancer’ and they’re not afraid to say that, but people are afraid to say ‘I’ve got mental health issues’ and that’s what really needs to change,” he said.
After trying to take his own life in 2008 and being saved by a stranger who found him on Waterloo Bridge, Mr Benjamin now talks about his experiences publicly.
His campaign, ‘Find Mike’, received worldwide attention and eventually led him to being reunited with his rescuer, a man called Neil Laybourn.
In a previous interview with PinkNews, Mr Benjamin called current support, “diabolical”.
He has since went on to say if he had received help when he was younger, it may have helped.
Mental health has become a major focus for the Duke and Duchess in recent years.
The Prince has said that he thinks it’s important to highlight the alarming number of young men between 15 and 35, who are suicidal.
On average 17 people a day take their own life in the UK and among the LGBT community, 44% of 16 to 24-year-olds admit to considering it.
The Duke of Cambridge took part in an LGBT anti-bullying session for the Diana Award, in honour of his mother – in which he spoke out against homophobia and posed in front of pride flags.
