A new online magazine which aims to help tackle mental health issues among young people via interviews with artistic and sporting talent has been launched in Liverpool.
Everton and England star, Leighton Baines, was on hand to help launch the new social enterprise outlet, The Mind Map, at Unit 51.
More than 50 people gathered to watch Baines in conversation with BBC sports journalist Giulia Bould, discussing mental health in football.
The project has come together after research and development over the past year, with partners including Merseyside Youth Association, NHS Liverpool, Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and Liverpool John Moores University.
Phil Bridges, the Editor of The Mind Map Mag, told JMU Journalism: “I got chatting to Leighton about a year ago in Filter and Fox in Liverpool. We were looking for someone who, like The Mind Map, is interested in arts, culture and mental health, and Leighton was up for supporting us.
“He really went above and beyond on the night to help us out, chatting to guests and just being really open and enthusiastic.”
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Mind Map aims to create resources to de-stigmatise mental health, and help young people navigate towards medical services that are relatable.
The online magazine is currently working with LJMU looking into the support students have on offer for mental health.
“We are currently working with John Moores University on a research project to gain an understanding of the perceptions and experiences of non-clinical mental health support currently available for UK students,” said Mr Bridges.
The organisation feels that including those in the public eye means that those affected will have courage to face up to their problems.
Phil added: “Aligning musicians and sporting talents with conversations around mental help can help provide engaging access points to the topic and normalise the subject.”