Alex will use his clinical expertise and personal experience to champion the government’s work on children’s mental health and shape policy on improving support for young people

Exeter alumnus appointed Youth Mental Health Ambassador

Exeter alumnus Dr Alex George (Medicine, 2015) has been appointed as a Youth Mental Health Ambassador to advise government and raise the profile of mental health education and wellbeing in schools.

An Accident and Emergency (A&E) doctor, Alex has been a passionate online campaigner for children’s mental health since he lost his brother to suicide last year.

In his role as Youth Mental Health Ambassador, Alex will use his clinical expertise and personal experience to champion the government’s work on children’s mental health and shape policy on improving support for young people. He will sit on the new Mental Health in Education Action Group, which is chaired by Children’s Minister Vicky Ford and Universities Minister Michelle Donelan, and will look specifically at how to support young people with their wellbeing as they return to school and university.

Alex will also provide input on the issues being faced by children and young people and what tools and support teachers will need in order to provide high-quality advice and care to their students who need it.

In a statement Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Children and young people have heroically adapted to save lives and protect our NHS. This has understandably had a huge impact on their mental health, so I want to shine a spotlight on this vital issue ahead of their return to school. I’m delighted that Dr. Alex George will be working with us as we do everything in our power to improve people’s mental wellbeing.”

Dr. Alex George said: “The last year has been unimaginably difficult for all of us, but particularly for young people who have sacrificed so much. I am honoured to be appointed for this role where I’ll be working closely with government to make mental health an absolute priority and hope to have a positive impact on the lives of young people and their education for good. Right now young people need a voice in government, and I hope that through this role I can advocate for meaningful change in this area.”

Alex, who is also known for his appearance on television show Love Island in 2018, works at a south London hospital and regularly uses his social media platform to promote positive health messages.

In January 2021 he publicly requested to speak to the Prime Minster about his campaign for better mental health provisions.

Date: 12 February 2021