Dr Alex George. Photo by Bang Showbiz
Dr Alex George has launched the HEADucation initiative to help highlight mental health issues among young people.
The ‘Love Island’ star – who serves as the UK Youth Mental Health Ambassador – is determined to help schools recognise mental health issues, be able to spot the early signs of potential problems, and understand the support available to them.
Dr Alex said: “The pandemic has undoubtedly had an effect on our young people with so many of us worried about the effects on their mental health and future wellbeing.
“I’ve heard a lot from parents, teachers and students worried about how the pandemic had such an impact on the mental health of young people. These are real worries, and highlight why our mission with HEADucation is so important.
“With schools reopening, support for the transition back into the classroom is vital. Never has mental health been as important as it is now.”
Dr Alex launched the new initiative on ITV’s ‘Lorraine’ on Wednesday (24.02.21) and he’s keen to ensure kids around the country are able to make a smooth transition back into the classroom following the latest lockdown.
Mental health issues are extremely personal to Dr Alex, whose younger brother, Llyr, took his own life last year at the age of 19.
He said: “It just swipes you from your knees, really. It was very, very hard.
“I was grateful again to Lorraine [Kelly] and Dr Hilary for their kindness. It’s helped a lot. It’s a huge challenge.
“I’ve learnt this year that I’m a lot more resilient than I ever thought I was. I’ve dealt with a lot more than I ever possibly thought I could deal with.
“But grief is ongoing. You never get over losing a little brother. What I’m doing is trying to do something positive.”
—Reuters
