Dr. Alex George has called on the government to take "action" and improve mental health education in schools.
Alex George
The former 'Love Island' star - who tragically lost his brother Llyr in July - has called on those in power to ensure the issue is taught properly to children
Appearing on ITV's 'Lorraine' on Tuesday (06.10.20), he said: "There’s some fantastic work being done … people who are really passionate about this and there are incredible resources out there with Time to Change, Heads Together, but we need to integrate that in all schools around the country, so you haven’t just got pockets of good mental health teaching and support, it should be in every school.
"In my opinion, every child has a right to good mental health education and good mental health support, which means counsellors in every school."
The A&E doctor also urged people to write to their MPs as he elaborated on the need for students to have access to mental health resources.
He explained: "Talking is really important, but we need to have funding for schools around mental health specifically and to make it a priority.
"Around the next year, there is relationship and sex education teaching happening in school, but my issue is … not to criticise it at all because it’s great to be doing that … but mental health is a part of that.
"For me, it should sit alongside maths, English, other subjects because unless you’re happy and healthy, how can you learn and how can you be productive?
"We need to speak to MPs, we need action."
Alex recently admitted he felt "tremendous guilt" after his brother's death as he opened up about struggling to come to terms with his passing.
He said: "That's the hard thing. I felt tremendous guilt instantly.
"I am a doctor, I'm an older brother, I always wanted to protect and look after him. What could I have done differently?
"I'm supposed to be a mental health advocate and all the work I've done around it. It was anguish, it was the worst thing."