There are some people who believe that mental health shouldn’t be a subject that is discussed once a year as part of an ‘awareness week’. It’s certainly something we at Metro.co.uk feel strongly about, which is why mental health and wellbeing is very much part of the fabric of our site.
However, the truth is initiatives like Mental Health Awareness Week give us, and the many mental health charities and advocates across the UK, the opportunity to speak up and out even more loudly than usual – and we will continue to do so until we get to the point when we no longer need to have to raise awareness at all.
Knowing how much the last year has impacted on our mental health, here at Metro.co.uk we felt that we needed to really champion Mental Health Awareness Week 2021.
And we mean, really champion it.
That’s why we asked some well-known mental health advocates to take over the reins this week and bring you content that not only represented their own thoughts and experiences, but what they felt you needed to know.
So, who’s on board? Drumroll, please…
Today we kick off with TV presenter Alex Beresford as our our guest news editor and comedian Russell Kane as guest tech editor, while tomorrow will see singer and presenter Frankie Bridge take over our Lifestyle department as guest editor.
Next up, on Wednesday we have former footballer Anton Ferdinand leading our sport content as guest sports editor, while across our other platforms we have reality star Sam Thompson logging on and taking over in his role as guest social media editor.
Thursday sees TV’s Scarlett Moffatt head up our Entertainment section as guest editor – which will also include an ‘Ask Scarlett’ section, where she’ll be answering five readers questions on how to look after your emotional wellbeing. So if you’d love to get some advice from Scarlett, drop her a line with your question at MHAWTakeover@metro.co.uk*
Finally, on Friday actor Joe Tracini will take charge as guest soaps editor, while TV presenter Katie Piper becomes our guest platform editor.
And breathe… It’s quite a line up, isn’t it?
While each of our guest editors will be in charge for one day only – look out for the MHAW Takeover logo to spot their handiwork alongside our regular stories – the effort they have put into their sections has been incredible.
From coming up with ideas, writing personal pieces, filming video content and doing interviews, they have all worked closely with the Metro.co.uk team to produce pieces that we hope will not only engage and educate, but also offer support if you – or someone you know – is going through a hard time.
And that’s not mentioning some of the amazing contributors who are also helping make this week special. From Dr Alex George and Charlie Webster to Alice Liveing, DJ Locksmith, Paralympian David Weir and Cheryl Hole, each has given us incredibly valuable advice and insight into all kinds of mental health matters.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the help of several key mental health charities.
From the founders of MHAW, the Mental Health Foundation, to the Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness, Mind and many others, their support and guidance has been vital.
So, please, join us and help raise awareness about mental health wellbeing, issues and illness – this week and every week.
In the meantime, all that’s left to say is that we hope you enjoy our MHAW Takeover.
*Deadline for questions is 8am Tuesday 11 May, 2021. Answers will be given under the guidance of the Samaritans charity.
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Metro.co.uk MHAW Takeover
This year, to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, Metro.co.uk has invited eight well-known mental health advocates to take over our site.
With a brilliant team that includes Alex Beresford, Russell Kane, Frankie Bridge, Anton Ferdinand, Sam Thompson, Scarlett Moffatt, Katie Piper and Joe Tracini, each of our guest editors have worked closely with us to share their own stories, and also educate, support and engage with our readers.
If you need help or advice for any mental health matter, here are just some of the organisations that were vital in helping us put together our MHAW Takeover:
To contact any of the charities mentioned in the Metro.co.uk MHAW Takeover click here
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