Ford is ramping up its focus on raising awareness of mental health issues with a new initiative.
Announced as part of the Time to Talk Day taking part today (7 February 2019) under the Time to Change campaign, the manufacturer is adding 10 ‘Don’t let mental health be the elephant in the room’ liveried trailers to its transport fleet.
Travelling thousands of miles a year, the specially designed trailers will act as ‘mobile billboards’ to raise awareness of the Time to Change campaign to end mental health discrimination.
According to research, around one in four people in the UK experiences mental health problems; with young men, in particular being identified as a vulnerable demographic. Only a third of men (34%) would talk openly about their feelings, while just under one third (31%) said that they would be embarrassed about seeking help for a mental health problem.
Last year Ford partnered with Time to Change, producing a national awareness film promoting the front seat of a vehicle as a safe space to talk after research, conducted by Ford, found that over two-thirds (67%) of people said they were more comfortable talking about issues when in a vehicle.
Jo Loughran, director of Time to Change, commented: “We’ve come a long way in recent years but still, too many people with mental health problems are made to feel isolated, worthless and ashamed. Time to Talk Day is an opportunity to break down barriers and have real and meaningful conversations about mental health – however you do it. As Ford’s public awareness film highlights, talking about mental health doesn’t have to be the elephant in the room.”
