The Be Free Campaign is launching their Mental Health Ambassador Programme for people between the age of 10 and 25 who are students in any schools, universities or members of any community organisations in the UK.
The Merseyside-based Be Free is providing the opportunity for potential ambassadors to work within their organisations to make an improvement regarding the prolific stigmatisation of mental health in the UK.
The Be Free Campaign is a mental health charity that aims to give young people the tools they need to look after their mental health and improve their wellbeing. Mental health is something that we all have, and that we can look after. We need to break the stigma, educate the world and empower getting help. The charity was set up by student doctor, Shantanu Kundu who has been recognised by Rt Hon. Boris Johnson and the family of Princess Diana for services to charity.
The importance of the Mental Health Ambassador Programme lies in its aim to raise mental health and well-being awareness among communities to make a significant change in the way mental health is perceived and communicated in institutions. The programme offers the chance for members of an organisation, passionate about the cause and willing to help, to gain voluntary experience while becoming change-makers and inciting a positive difference in the way mental health is understood.
Shantanu, and his team of volunteers, will be working with organisations and schools to set up the Mental Health Ambassador Programme, offering the chance for young persons to learn about mental health in a factual manner, and then raise awareness in their organisation with the help of the charity to support them. The programme functions as a point of communication between the ambassadors and their institution as the charity will help to create a mental-health initiative alongside ambassadors which will be delivered to the organisation/school.
The Programme will include the BFC MHAA (Be Free Campaign Mental Health Ambassador Awards) where there will be a chance for ambassadors to be nominated for the impact they have made in the community. Nominations will be made by the organisations, schools or the public outside of these organisations who have been affected by the positive change brought about by the programme. The winners will receive a certificate and prize for their work.
Shantanu Kundu – Founder and Director says “Young people have the power to change the world. Empowering young people to speak up about mental health is one of the best ways that we can help promote change in schools and communities, break the stigma behind mental health and ultimately save lives. 1 in 4 of us every year will have a mental health condition. We need to help people speak up when they don’t feel their best and know where to go for help. This programme promotes just that.”
For more information about the charity, its programmes and initiatives, please visit www.befreecampaign.org. If organisations, schools or universities wish to register interest in the Mental Health Ambassador Programme, contact info@befreecampaign.org for more information.
