We focused on two key messages: ‘There are many myths about mental illness. Get the facts.’ and ‘A few small words can make a big difference. Don’t be afraid to talk about mental health.’
We wanted to increase knowledge around mental illness, highlighting that 1 in 4 people are affected, which means it’s someone you know or love. Because it’s something that affects us all we wanted to help people to feel comfortable talking about mental health by providing tips to start a conversation. Simply asking ‘How are you?’ can make a big difference to someone.
We made our first TV advert, ‘What about Dylan’ and our messages reached across Wales on billboards, posters, TV, radio, bus stops, inside buses, social media and via press stories.
In case of Dylan
Have you seen our TV advert, in case of Dylan?
Dylan is a character returning to work after some time off with mental health problems. His colleagues are nervous about talking to him about this – in fact, they dive through boxes, spit out tea and set alarm bells ringing, just to avoid the conversation!
One of his colleagues is a bit more sensible and starts a conversation with the most simple question in the world:
“How are you feeling?”
Don’t be afraid to talk about mental health!
