Locally based boxer and Commonwealth Games hopeful Delicious Orie is putting his weight behind a new video to support men’s suicide prevention

The video ‘We’re in your corner’ is being launched this week, ahead of the Commonwealth Games, taking place in Birmingham.

From his work with local Herefordshire and Worcestershire boxing clubs, the heavyweight boxer recognises the importance of looking after our mental health. He understands that sometimes the “toughest opponent is the one between your ears”.

Delicious is helping launch the ‘We’re in your corner’ video this week. The ‘Acting Together to Prevent Suicide’ campaign is part of the wider ‘Now We’re Talking’ initiative, which supports people experiencing problems with their mental health across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

The campaign includes the short film featuring Delicious Orie, mental health campaigner Lucy Alexander from Worcestershire and Pete Johnson from Mental Health Mates in Ross on Wye.

The video is aimed at men of all ages and hopes to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and highlight where to get support.

Delicious Orie, Team GB boxer, says:

“We all sometimes struggle to talk about our feelings. If you’re finding it tough, it’s important to open up sometimes and talk. Life is hard, there’s no weakness or shame in asking for support. If you feel overwhelmed – you are not alone.

“Anyone can experience feeling low, anxious, worried or depressed, and it is really common, but it is also important to reach out for support when it starts to impact what you do and who you are.”

The NHS Healthy Minds team covers Herefordshire and Worcestershire and provides free, confidential support, including: Online therapyGroups and Courses, traditional 1:1 support and online resources. 

Councillor Pauline Crockett, Herefordshire’s cabinet member for health and adult wellbeing, says:

“I really hope the poignant ‘We’re in your corner’ film helps people realise they are not alone. However you’re feeling, please remember that someone is willing to listen to you. Struggling on your own can feel overwhelming. Pick up the phone. Call the Herefordshire & Worcestershire 24-hour urgent mental health helpline for free on 0808 196 9127.”

The video can be viewed on the Acting Together to Prevent Suicide webpage: Now Were Talking Together To Prevent Suicide | Healthy Minds (whct.nhs.uk).

Local mental health support you can access today In Herefordshire and Worcestershire

  • If you want to keep a healthy mind you can:

Visit Downloadable resources healthy minds Now We're Talking | Healthy Minds (whct.nhs.uk) for an outline of support available across both counties for adults, children and young people.

If you want to keep a healthy mind:

If you’re struggling and have been for a couple of weeks:

  • Visit https://nowweretalking.nhs.uk  or speak to your GP practice team to discuss the best options for you, including access to specialist services.

If you need urgent advice and support for yourself or someone you know:

  • Call the free local NHS urgent mental health helpline for Herefordshire and Worcestershire: 0808 196 9127
  • Call 999 if you are seriously injured, have taken an overdose or if there is an immediate risk to life.

Published: 29th July 2022