A new advertising campaign is being launched in Birmingham and Solihull to let young men know about a free, confidential text service that is available to them.
Anyone who feels stressed, low or withdrawn can connect with a trained mental health professional by texting ‘Space’ to 85258. The service is free, off-bill, confidential and available 24/7.
The three men said they want to challenge stigma and inspire others to take the first step by starting a conversation about how they’re feeling.
Anthony Taylor, Blaine Rowe, who is taking part in a campaign to raise awareness of mental health support. PIC: Birmingham
and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
And the three of them said they got involved for their own reasons.
Anthony Taylor, an 18-year-old from Dickens Heath, said he wanted to take part after experiencing severe bullying when he was younger.
He said: “I don’t want anyone to struggle the way I did — no one should feel alone with their mental health.”
Alum Rock resident Junaid Mahmood, aged 30, said the campaign was vital to break the stigma that exists within the Muslim community.
He said: “I work in mental health services but the community and culture I come from are not highly represented in services – not because support isn’t needed, but because stigma still exists.
Junaid Mahmood, Blaine Rowe, who is taking part in a campaign to raise awareness of mental health support. PIC: Birmingham
and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
“Texting ‘Space’ to 85258 offers a discreet and accessible way to get support, especially for those who may not feel able to talk on the phone or meet in person.”
Bromsgrove resident Blaine Rowe, aged 23, is a professional footballer for Kettering Town and a football coach. He said he knows first-hand how sport can make young men feel they have to keep their struggles hidden.
Blaine said: “Football has always been a place of strength, resilience and togetherness, but too often it’s also a place where men – especially young players – feel they have to suffer in silence.
“Speaking up doesn’t make you weak. If anything, it’s one of the bravest things you can do.”
The service, a partnership between Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and Shout – the UK’s first 24/7 text messaging support service, was launched in August last year.
Blaine Rowe, who is taking part in a campaign to raise awareness of mental health support. PIC: Birmingham
and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
To date, it has supported almost 700 people across the region but bosses said around 70 per cent of them have been women and young girls, which has prompted a campaign to reach more young men.
Adverts featuring Blaine, Anthony and Junaid will appear on billboards and outdoor sites near Villa Park, St Andrew’s, Birmingham City Centre, and around local mosques throughout the month.
