By Scunthorpe student becomes mental health ambassador
A student from Scunthorpe whose friend took his own life has become a mental health ambassador at his college.
The role has been introduced by the Association of Colleges (AoC), after a recent survey found that 94% of colleges in England had a student attempt suicide in the last year.
Ambassador Josh Willis, 18, says he wants to help others with mental health issues to open up, especially those who had been silently suffering in lockdown.
Discussing his friend with the BBC, Mr Willis said “he was always there for everyone else but no-one knew he was struggling himself.”
Mr Willis is one of two ambassadors at North Lindsey College.
He had spoken to several students whose moods had been affected by the lockdown:
“They feel sad and are finding it really tough because they can’t go and see their friends or family,
“It’s often hard to speak to an adult or to your close friends about how you’re feeling so I’m there to listen and to point them in the right direction if they need further support,” he said.
