Words of hope from Barking & Dagenham College students

Students from @BarkingCollege have been placing messages of positivity around the borough to raise awareness of the importance of mental health. 

The students, who are part of the Prince’s Trust Team Programme, decided to do a project on mental health awareness to help young people during lockdown and in the run up to Christmas.  Because of the current restrictions due to Covid-19, the students decided they could help by placing positive messages around the borough which could be seen by anyone who might be struggling with their mental health at this time. 

The messages include encouraging quotes such as ‘never let a stumble in the road be the end of your journey’, ‘you will one day experience joy that matches this pain’ and ‘reaching out for help is brave!’. As well as the quote, each message encourages the reader to seek help if they need it by calling or texting the Samaritans. 

Student Luna Bokombe, 19, explained why they decided to put up the messages.  She said: “We wanted everyone to understand that they are not alone.  There are other people out there experiencing the same thing and if you need it there are organisations that can help.” 

Jessica Roos, Prince’s Trust Assistant Team Leader at the College added: “This year has been really tough for lots of people and it’s important that everyone realises that help is available.  It was the students who came up with the idea to put messages around the borough and I think it is a fantastic way of creating a spotlight for mental health.  I’m really proud of them.”