Be Free Campaign

WHO WE ARE – The Be Free Campaign is a registered charity that aims to demolish the stigma behind mental health and improve wellbeing within society.

WHAT WE DO – We work around the country offering free events that raise awareness of mental health issues, mental wellbeing and the stigma that stops many people from getting the help that they need.

OUR VISION – Creating a world where everyone can freely speak out about their mental health issues and feel respected, supported and empowered.

How does your organisation contribute to preventing suicide and supporting those affected by it?

We work with schools, hospitals and community centres around the North West and the Midlands, delivering talks and workshops on mental health and wellbeing. All of our volunteers are trained by our clinical lead, who is a psychiatrist. We also work in communities, talking to the public about mental health and wellbeing. We host coffee mornings, street campaigns and awareness concerts that all break down the stigma that surrounds mental health. Our funds that are received from sponsors, events and donors help us perform the work that we do. All of our volunteers who work with vulnerable people in the community need to be DBS checked. Our volunteers are also covered by public liability insurance that protects them when volunteering with us.

What are your current priorities?

In a personal letter to Shantanu, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“As we mark World Mental Health Day, I am delighted to recognise the fantastic work you have done creating the ‘Be Free Campaign’.
“Together with your team of ambassadors, you have inspired thousands of students and young people across the country to talk openly about their mental health. With your enormous social media following you are transforming attitudes towards mental health and showing the world it’s okay not to feel okay.
“As Prime Minister, I want to see mental health given just the same urgency and seriousness with which we treat our physical well-being. But in this country we all too often get terribly British about such things, stiffening our upper lips and suffering on in silence.
“For that to change I know that we need to get a lot more people talking openly and honestly about what is going on inside their heads – so you can imagine how pleased I was to hear how the Be Free Campaign is helping thousands of people do just that.”

What challenges are you currently facing?

Mental Health prevalence