Adam Tickell and SU Officers support the #IAMWHOLE campaign

A campaign devised by Brighton and Hove NHS to combat mental health stigma has been launched to mark World Mental Health Day 2016.

The campaign, called #IAMWHOLE, is fronted by UK hip-hop artist Jordan Stephens from The Rizzle Kicks whose song, ‘Whole’, is about experiencing mental health difficulties.

The launch event, which took place on Wednesday 5 October atop the i360 on Brighton seafront, saw Jordan perform a new music track called ‘Whole’ live for the first time, 450 feet above ground.

The 'Whole' music video and accompanying #IAMWHOLE campaign video (which also features Jordan) both include young people from Brighton & Hove with lived experience of mental health difficulties.

Brighton and Hove’s partner in this campaign, The YMCA, will also be releasing new research into young people’s attitudes towards mental health, the stigma associated with it and the impact stigma has on their ability to reach out for advice and support when they need it. 

The campaign is being fully supported by the University with three members of the Students’ Union Officers: Sarah Gibbons, Annie Pickering and Rose Taylor recently joining Vice-Chancellor, Adam Tickell, to show their support by drawing the campaign’s official logo on their palms.

The logo, designed by Jordan himself, reminds those suffering from mental health issues that they are complete or whole people, despite what they may feel.

Here at Sussex we take mental health extremely seriously. Although it is part of the human experience to feel unhappy, alone or anxious at times, it is right to seek help when you’re not coping. Do not hesitate - the University runs a comprehensive provision which provides support to students all over the University – both on and off campus.

If you are feeling unwell the following information may help:

In the first instance contact the Student Life Centre to make an appointment to see a Student Life Advisor – they can provide support and reassurance and give guidance about other sources of help.

Your GP

Your doctor can talk to you about how you feel, prescribe you medication or refer you on to another service or specialist.

Counselling

The University has a free and confidential counselling service based on campus just behind the Health Centre. There are seven therapists and an additional 25 post-qualified and trainee counsellors.

Long term mental health conditions

If you have a diagnosed long term mental health condition then you should make an appointment with a member if the Student Support Unit. More information about what service this unit provides can be found at the bottom of this page.

For more detailed information on the points above and how to seek help off-campus, the Health and Wellbeing pages provides detailed information about how and where you can get help.