Millie Bright Appointed Ambassador for YoungMinds
England international Millie Bright has been named an ambassador for YoungMinds, a charity focused on children's mental health. The 31-year-old expressed that this role represents "the most moving thing" she has experienced in her career. This is prepared by SSP.
Bright has openly discussed her own struggles with mental health and has supported her mother through depression and anxiety. Her personal experiences drive her commitment to helping young people facing similar challenges. "Honestly, it's scary how many people come forward and say they are struggling," Bright told BBC Sport.
She emphasized, "You should never feel alone in a world with billions of people." Bright describes herself as the glue in her family, consistently striving to keep everything together. Witnessing her mother's journey through mental health struggles has been both challenging and enlightening for Bright.
"It's a horrible journey—not only for the person suffering but for the loved ones, too. Mental health can really affect someone and change who they are," she said.
Advocacy and Support
Bright aims to support YoungMinds by visiting schools and events to promote positivity and create safe spaces for struggling young people. "It's challenging to know how to help someone in that situation," she remarked. Bright suggested that asking "are you okay?" can be ineffective. Instead, she advocates asking, "Is there anything I can do for you?"
Creating a supportive environment is essential for young people. For Bright and her mother, the farm serves as a sanctuary where they can escape daily stresses. "Up there, nothing else matters, and it's where my mum finds happiness," Bright shared.
While Bright expressed hope for her mother, she recognizes that not everyone has the same support. Many individuals still feel isolated and believe they lack someone to talk to. This realization drew her to YoungMinds, which provides support not only for individuals but also for their families—an essential element of mental health advocacy.