By Shawna Healey
Content warning: contains discussion of suicide.
On January 10th, a group of 20 activists behind the campaign CrazyTall hung 20 dummies from London’s Westminster Bridge in an attempt to raise awareness of mental illness in young people. In 2017, 165 people between the ages of 10 and 19 took their own life, an increase of 29% compared to 2013.
The campaigners involved have said that they have all either contemplated or attempted suicide. Their hashtag #NotOneMore is being used to raise awareness of the protest, as well of the problem of mental illness in young people. One activist, Issac Rowan, tweeted: “As I held the dummy in my arms, and lowered it down on the bridge, I was overcome by the feeling that this could have easily been me, or one of my friends”.
As I held the dummy in my arms, and lowered it down on the bridge, I was overcome by the feeling that this could have easily been me, or one of my friends. https://t.co/aRrqFu0qlP I was featured in a piece on #NotOneMore @CrazyTalkUK's action today. #Trans #MentalHealthMatters pic.twitter.com/C1Qd5lPkZ1
— Isaac Skrzypczyk ⚧ BLM (@isaac_skrz) January 10, 2019
The BBC conducted a moving interview with the activists behind the stunt, including the CrazyTalk co-founder, Ajuub, in which he revealed that he attempted suicide three times before the age of 18, and is now calling for a greater focus on prevention in mental health services.
CrazyTalk are calling for the following reforms to public services:
Featured image and gallery: Lucy Elson-Whittaker Fcukers headline a sold-out show at Manchester’s New Century Hall, in support of their long-awaited debut album, ‘ö’. Opening the night are Sydney-based Sleepazoid, whose hazy, atmospheric sound offers a sharp contrast to the headliners’ explosive energy. Their set feels cinematic and dream-like, serving as both a striking opener…
Featured image and gallery: Sub Khan Hailing from Manchester and playing a sold-out show at Manchester’s Lion’s Den, with an imminent EP on the way, aAh! speaks to Fred Farrell (vocals) and Danny Atherton (bass) of Dr Dr. Did you start the band during Covid times? Is that where it all originated? F: It was…
Featured image: Gary Walker Neo-blues soul artist Yellow Days, the stage name of Haslemere’s George van den Broek, returns to Manchester with his seventh album, Rock And A Hard Place, and a live show that proves just how far he has come. Before he steps out, London-based act Brian Nasty warms the room up nicely,…
Featured image and gallery: Sally Stretch The Royston Club perform alongside Overpass and Permanent (Joy) at a sold-out O2 Victoria Warehouse. Welsh indie rock band The Royston Club, school friends who began playing together in 2017, now headline O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester. Touring second album Songs For The Spine, they generate an energetic sold-out…
Leave a reply