Network Rail and mental health charity Chasing The Stigma have teamed up in a suicide prevention campaign, releasing a film which touches on the distressed and depressed life of a young man who experiences positive moments in a train station.
Mental health has been a consistent and relevant topic, conversation and issue throughout the pandemic. As Covid-19 has put end to freedom of movement and stopped family and friends from meeting, millions have been restricted to their homes.
According to a study carried out by Yonder, mental health symptoms have surged among all age groups over the last 12 months, with respondents reporting increases in anxiety (40%), loneliness (%) and depression (31%).
About 2,000 adults were involved in the research, and it revealed that the pandemic has also had a significant impact on students, with 64% claiming it has affected their mental health, along with 65% of those who identify as being LGBT+.
Chief Executive of Network Rail, Andrew Haines said: “Through this campaign, we are trying to help vulnerable people who are at risk before they even come to the rail network by signposting them towards support services through the Hub of Hope.”
Founder of Chasing The Stigma, Jake Mills, who plays the young man in the film, added: “Mental health has never been more important, especially as the results show the Covid-19 pandemic is having a real impact on people, particularly young adults, across the UK”
“Breaking down the stigma around mental health and giving people access to the right support at the right time, is essential as it can make such a difference, and it’s the reason why we set up the Hub of Hope”
Jake himself suffered from mental health issues. Following his own suicide attempt, he recognized that many people struggled to find someone to talk to about their issues.
Consequently, it gave him the impetus and initiative to start a charity which directed people to the right services, developing the Hub of Hope, which is the UK’s leading mental health support database.
The database provides access to local, national, private and NHS mental health support. All of this information can be accessed through the app, Chasing the Stigma website or at www.hubofhope.co.uk. So, if you are struggling or know anyone that might be do not hesitate to get into contact.
