By Gavin Mackintosh-
EastEnders star Danny Dyer made an appearance at a Romford school for a mental health awareness event.
Nearly 80,000 children suffer from depression in the Uk
The actor, spoke to year 10 pupils from Bower Park Academy on Tuesday, in which he ighlighted the importance of talking about mental health to pupils, he specifically addressed teenage boys – with the charity saying suicide is the second most common reason for death among men under 45.
Mind of the Student organised the talk as part of its campaign across London to educate secondary school pupils about topics like depression, anxiety, social media pressures and exam stress.
Chief operating officer, and Head of Programmes, Jaylan Sesler, told The Eye Of Media.Com: it was a brilliant opportunity in whuch Danny spoke to children about mental health, especially in men who often keep quiet about their struggles rather than off loading.
”There is often a stigma around men speaking out, and many men suffer in silence because of the macho feeling that is weak to speak about depression or mental health issues
”He spoke to them about his own experience of attempting suide as a youngster and encouraged children to speak out
Many children don’t speak about their emotions or how they feel because they think its too match to do that. He encouraged students to be vocal and seek support if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts.
pupils at Bower park Academy listen intently to Danny Dyer Image: Mind Of The Student
Kieran Godwin started the charity with chief operating officer Jaylan Sesli to help fight the stigma around the topic and provide self-help tips after they suffered from anxiety in secondary school themselves.
It is the first UK charity to conduct mental health-based workshops to whole year groups and schools in one visit.
The charity’s workshop has been put together by its clinical lead, business leaders, teachers and students to create a broad but clear understanding of what mental health is, and how students can get support for their mental health problems.