Going green for mental health awareness
News release issued:
Wyre Forest District Council is supporting a campaign to raise awareness of mental health issues in young people.
The campaign, Mitch’s Law, was started by Rob Collins a lecturer at Kidderminster College after his son took his own life in 2019 at the age of 16.
The council will be showing support for the initiative by displaying green bows on 67 of its vehicles from refuse lorries to road sweepers.
Councillor John Thomas, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Operational Services said: “We believe raising awareness of mental health issues is extremely important. Suicides caused by mental health issues are increasing each year, especially in young men. We hope our vehicles displaying green bows shows support to not only the campaign but the families who have lost loved ones and the people who are suffering with their mental health in the community.
“There are many amazing mental health charities, organisations and support groups that do so much to help people in need. Please visit the NHS’s mental health and wellbeing page for a comprehensive list of available helplines”.
Rob Collins said: “On the 21 April 2019 our beautiful 16-year-old boy lost his battle to mental health. A day that we will never forget and changed our lives forever.
“So many individuals and organisations are supporting the campaign including some very big charities. The bows are to show support and to give those who are suffering a voice and hope.”
Information on how residents can get involved in supporting Mitch’s Law can be found on Facebook.