Photographer unites with campaigner in aid of mental health support in schools

Celebrated photographer Rankin has captured the portraits of youth ambassadors as part of a £500,000 campaign for mental health support in schools. 

Beyond, a mental health charity helping young people that was founded by Jonny Benjamin in 2018, aims to highlight the “urgent” need for better access to support services in the wake of the pandemic with its #BrakeTheSystem campaign.

 Rankin’s portraits of 24 young people – including six Jewish youth ambassadors – were shared last week on social media by well-known personalities including Stephen Fry, James Arthur, Frankie Bridge, Sheridan Smith, Roman Kemp and Laura Whitmore.

“The fact 75 percent of young people in the UK who have a mental health issue can’t access the treatment they require is scandalous,” said Benjamin. “We need to tackle this urgently, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, which has seen children’s mental health services receive their highest number of referrals on record.”

 The money raised will go towards “immediate mental health support into schools and colleges that need it the most”.

 Rankin said he and his team had undertaken the photography work pro bono, because the cause was close to his heart. 

One of those photographed, Jacob People, said: “This campaign
is incredibly important right now because, more than ever, the uncertainty is flowing through the minds of young people.”

Visit crowdfunder.co.uk/now-and-beyond or donate £5 by texting BEYOND 5 to 70085.