Will Mellor is launching a new campaign to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week.
Will Mellor signing 'WarriorKind'
The 45-year-old actor - who plays Harvey Gaskell in 'Coronation Street' - has joined the fight against mental health stigma by launching the Triggered campaign, which is designed to educate people about mental health issues and to encourage the public to be mindful about the language they use.
Sarah Drage, the CEO of WarriorKind, the organisation behind the campaign, said: "Harmful language can really amplify stigma. It can also contribute to an element of tolerance, which can then lead to misconceptions and negative attitudes towards people experiencing mental ill-health.
"An ill-thought-out comment that someone may think is harmless may actually be the thing that stops another from seeking the help they need."
Will is launching the campaign on Monday (10.05.21), and is set to speak about his own experiences of triggering language.
Matt Loftus, WarriorKind’s mental health expert, explained: "Language shapes how we see the world. The words we choose and the meanings we attach to them influence our feelings, attitudes and beliefs.
"Our language choices have a powerful effect on how we view mental health and people living with mental health conditions."
Meanwhile, Will previously revealed that he's using his 'Coronation Street' role to help vulnerable children and young people.
The actor plays evil gang boss Harvey in the ITV soap and revealed the part is "really important" because it helps him to promote his work as an ambassador for the community project n:gl, which supports vulnerable youngsters across Greater Manchester.
He said: "We can't give up on these young people - sometimes they just need a bit of guidance and a bit of attention. So, I'm really happy to be playing this character for that reason.
"My character in 'Corrie' attracts people and gets them under his wing.
"He targets people who don't have criminal records, because they can go under the drug squad's radar. That does happen in real life.
"There are people out there who go off the track, never get back on it and their lives are ruined forever."
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