Photographing Mental Health Advocate John Junior for Samaritans
I recently had the pleasure of photographing John Junior for the Samaritans, capturing his work as a mental health activist and advocate. John uses his platform to educate others about mental health challenges and to promote awareness of support services.
John Junior’s Work in Mental Health Awareness
In 2019, John Junior began vlogging about his own experiences with mental health difficulties on Instagram, aiming to reach out to others facing similar challenges. His candid and personal approach helped to connect with young people and adults alike, offering insight, guidance, and reassurance. In May 2020, his vlogs caught the attention of UNILAD, who invited him to test the Samaritans self-help app during Mental Health Awareness Week and contribute to campaigns around World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September 2020.
The DBT for All Campaign
Following his work with Samaritans, John helped promote the "DBT for All" campaign, created in September 2020 to make dialectical behaviour therapy more widely available on the NHS. DBT is a clinically recognised therapy used to treat children, teenagers, and adults who are suicidal or demonstrate self-destructive behaviours. Through the campaign, John helped raise public awareness of the importance of accessible mental health treatments in the United Kingdom.
Speaking Out and Breaking Stigmas
John Junior speaks publicly about living with mental health conditions and has given interviews on television, radio, and in print internationally. His advocacy focuses on breaking down the stigma around mental health, providing education, and encouraging open conversations about emotional wellbeing. Photography plays a key role in documenting and promoting this work, helping to communicate his message to wider audiences.
Supporting Samaritans’ Mission
The Samaritans organisation provides vital support for anyone struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts. Collaborating with John Junior on this photography project allowed me to visually contribute to their ongoing campaigns and highlight the importance of mental health awareness. Capturing these moments reinforces the human stories behind advocacy work and the significance of accessible mental health support services.
