In 2018, I experienced one of the most difficult moments of my life and attempted to take my own life using alcohol. During that moment of crisis, my thoughts were clouded and I was not thinking about reaching out for help or contacting mental health support services. However, reflecting on that experience now, I strongly believe that if mental health helpline information had been clearly displayed on alcohol labels, bottles, or cans, it could have provided a crucial moment of pause and a reminder that help was available.

Sometimes, in moments of despair, even the smallest prompt can make a difference. The simple inclusion of a helpline number could encourage someone to reach out, speak to another person, and potentially save a life. Access to support should be as visible and accessible as possible, particularly for individuals who may be struggling in silence.

This belief is what led me to launch my campaign, The Brotherhood Mission. The campaign calls for legislation to make it a legal requirement for mental health helplines to be displayed on all alcohol products. Research has shown that individuals who engage in heavy or binge drinking are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and other mental health challenges. Alcohol is often used as a coping mechanism during periods of emotional distress, yet the products themselves currently offer no signposting towards support for those who may be struggling.

By adding the contact details of vital organisations such as The Samaritans and Mind to alcohol labels, we can ensure that people who may be dependent on alcohol, or experiencing a mental health crisis, have immediate access to trusted support services. These organisations provide lifesaving assistance every day, but many people in moments of crisis simply do not know where to turn.

My own experience has shown me how important visibility and accessibility of support can be. Since that suicide attempt in 2018, I have worked hard to rebuild my life and reflect on the challenges I faced. I am grateful to now be in a position where I can use my experience to advocate for others who may be struggling in silence.

Through this petition, I am asking for your support to help bring about meaningful change. By requiring alcohol manufacturers to include mental health helpline information on their products, we can create an additional pathway to support for those who may need it most.

Together, we can help ensure that when someone is at their lowest point, a simple phone number could be the first step toward hope, help, and recovery.