TV star Matt wants to have a conversation about mental health
TV presenter Matt Johnson has revealed that he wants to help start a national conversation on mental health through a new documentary series he’s making.
Former This Morning presenter Matt has spoken of his mental health issues in the past – and how he was close to killing himself in 2009 during a battle with depression.
He said it was vital mental health was being talked about in the open.
Matt said: “The increase in suicide rates across the world is worrying and it’s our responsibility as broadcasters to tell a story and help people understand, or we’re going to see something terrible.
“This issue tends to be ignored, so my focus is to make people aware and to start something that can address mental health issues before they start.
“At the moment there is no mental health education. It’s about being meaningful and aware of your mind and its capacity and that can be tried from a young age.
“I want to strive for people of all ages to help the next generation and for people to recognise mental health is just as important as physical health.
“It’s one of the most important things to try and accomplish in the next five to 10 years.”
Matt is now working with the People’s Postcode Lottery as an ambassador, which sees him visiting people’s homes across the UK and presenting them with their winnings.
Yesterday, a Welsh address was chosen as the winner of the Saturday Street Prize, with Mark Gray, from Nercwys, Flintshire, taking home the prize.
As he had been playing with two tickets, Mark received £50,000.
Matt said the charity aspect of the lottery was a big appeal – 30% of each ticket is donated to charitable causes and the lottery has generated almost £130m for charities across the UK since it’s inception in 2006.
Matt said: “I wanted to work with a company that made a difference and I am able to give money to people who really appreciate it.
“Who wouldn’t £50,000 cheque?
“It’s a lovely feeling when you knock on someone’s door and change their lives.
“You brighten up someone’s day and that’s for me more interesting than some of the other things I could be doing, so I’m glad to do something useful for a charity.” appreciate a