Horsham people urged to check on a mate: ‘it genuinely could save a life’

Lockdown and a lack of social contact has had a big impact on a huge number of people - myself included.

I’m in the privileged position of having pretty good mental health – my motto is ‘if you’re grinning you’re winning’ – but even I’ve struggled with down days.

Other people haven’t been so lucky and have had it a lot worse.

Last week a mate sent me a couple of texts to see if I was okay as I seemed ‘a bit flat’.

Luckily I was fine but it really highlights the importance of checking on your friends – it meant a lot to me to know that my mates have got my back.

Men in particular can be rubbish when it comes to talking about our feelings. This needs to change.

Seventy-five per cent of UK suicides are male, according to mental health charity CALM.

Just checking in with friends could make a huge difference to this.

If you do one thing today then drop a friend a text to see how they’re getting on. It genuinely could save a life.

A campaign has just been launched in Horsham urging people to be more compassionate. Read more here.

If you’re struggling there are loads of great resources available to help you. Check out https://www.thecalmzone.net/ and https://www.samaritans.org/