Love Island’s Dr Alex George is set to front a new mental health documentary for Children In Need to "shine a light" on the good working being done by charities across the country.
The A&E doctor, who has worked for the NHS throughout the pandemic, has seen first-hand the effects it has had on young people’s wellbeing.
But in July 2020 it affected his own family when his 19-year-old brother Llyr, who had been struggling with anxiety, tragically took his own life.
Dr Alex said at the time: "If there wasn’t such a stigma... he might have asked for help.
"I might have been able to do something about it. It’s very hard for me to accept that."
The documentary is titled Dr Alex: Our Mental Health Crisis and will be aired on BBC One and BBC iPlayer over the coming weeks.
It will follow the journeys of young people across the UK who are living with mental health issues, which for many have worsened during lockdown.
Dr Alex, who was recently appointed the UK’s Youth Mental Health Ambassador, said making the film was the "hardest thing I’ve ever done, but at the same time, the most important".
Announcing the news on his Instagram feed, the 30-year-old wrote: "My mission is to give young people the voice they deserve, bringing youth mental health to the front and centre.
"I promised you I would do everything I could to help young people around the UK and so it’s time to get you heard.
"This documentary has been the hardest thing thing I’ve ever done, but at the same time, the most important.
"Thank you to the @bbc for trusting me with this and to @dragonflyfilmtv and @bbcin for making it all happen.
"Coming soon to BBC One and iPlayer in a few weeks time. LET’S DO THIS."
The TV doctor, who rose to fame on ITV dating show Love Island back in 2018, said he was “so proud” of the film and the brave stories they had been able to tell.
He added: "These past 18 months have been incredibly hard, and have impacted the lives of so many children and young people, many of whom have been left feeling sad, anxious and alone.
"I hope this film brings hope, and shines a light on the remarkable charities and projects across the UK that are making a difference when it is needed most."
Tommy Magra, Director of Content at BBC Children In Need, said he hoped the film sparked a conversation "and let’s anyone feeling alone, know that we are there for them".
BBC Commissioning Editor Beeja Patel added: "Although this film tells incredibly difficult stories and shines a light on the challenges faced by so many children and young people across the UK, it is full of hope.
"I would like to thank all the young people involved and Alex, who has channelled a truly heart-breaking situation into something which will help children and young people experiencing difficulties in their lives feel less alone."
•Dr Alex: Our Mental Health Crisis will be aired on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year
To find out more, go to bbcchildreninneed.co.uk
*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
