26 Nov 2024
Team GB’s Phoebe Gill has become the first ambassador for St Albans-based mental health charity Youth Talk.
Phoebe, who attends St George’s School in Harpenden and is a member of St Albans Athletics Club at Abbey View Athletics Track, will be promoting the work of Youth Talk and its mission to support the mental health of young people aged 13-25.
Her remarkable career to date has seen her clinch 800m gold in the British Athletics Championships in June and reach the semi-finals in the Paris Olympics.
But she is no stranger to issues surrounding mental health: “I’ve experienced my fair share of performance anxiety, it’s a tough battle to fight, especially when there are people watching. I know how isolating and debilitating anxiety can feel, which is why I am passionate about raising awareness for Youth Talk and the valuable service that they offer young people.
“Growing up, myself and my family- like many others- faced our own battles which created an environment where mental health and self-care were appreciated.”
She also knows peers who have self-harmed and suffered with eating disorders so knows how important it is for young people to have access to mental health support and talk to someone who will remain non-judgemental.
“Not all children and young people are fortunate enough to be surrounded with those who are willing to listen, which can be extremely isolating and dangerous.
“Youth Talk provides such a vital service to young people by offering a confidential and non-judgmental space to discuss their mental health. It’s a place where they can feel understood and supported, and where they can learn healthy coping mechanisms. I believe that everyone deserves to have access to this kind of support, and I’m committed to helping Youth Talk reach as many young people as possible.”
Youth Talk chief executive David Barker said: “I am absolutely delighted that Phoebe has kindly agreed to become an official Ambassador for Youth Talk. As a local young person and impressive Olympic athlete, it is great to have someone of Phoebe’s standing and profile associated with the vital work of the charity.
“She is such a fantastic champion for mental health and has already been a great advocate for our work, speaking at a recent event and encouraging her school to raise money for the charity. We are all really looking forward to welcoming her as part of our special Youth Talk family.”
More ambassadors will be announced by the charity in the coming months.
