Boris Johnson appoints Love Island's Dr Alex as 'Ambassador for Mental Health'

He made his name as a reality star when he appeared on series four of ITV2's Love Island in 2018, but since leaving the famous villa Dr Alex George returned to his day job as an A&E doctor, and has since campaigned tirelessly for mental health.

Dr Alex, 27, has opened up and got more involved with various campaigns following the tragic loss of his younger brother Llŷr in July 2020, after the 19-year-old sadly took his own life following a battle with mental health.

Back in January, Dr Alex released an open letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson via social media, urging the UK Government to educate all children about mental health issues within schools.

Now, exactly one month later, Dr Alex has confirmed he has been appointed as an Ambassador for Mental Health by Boris Johnson and revealed he will work alongside the Government to 'make mental health a priority'.

He told his online followers, 'The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has appointed me as the Ambassador for Mental Health. I will be working with the Government to make mental health a priority, for both current and future generations. Now more than ever we realise how fundamental this is. It’s time for change'. (sic)

Whilst many former Love Islanders and 'influencers' being criticized recently for jetting off to foreign countries in the height of the Coronavirus pandemic, Dr Alex has received a lot of praise for his work in the NHS, and his commitment and effort to helping people with mental health issues also hasn't gone unnoticed.

Many of his followers commented on today's post, one said, 'WOW!! That’s an amazing achievement and so very deserved. Congratulations @DrAlexGeorge , you are perfect for that role xxxx'. (sic)

Another added, 'Wow Alex that’s incredible! Congratulations, this is so so needed xx', with a third commenting, 'Congratulations Dr. Alex, you will be amazing. I've suffered my whole life. Told I am too complex to be helped. I lost my mum & dad to suicide age 8, I found them. 50 now & still full of guilt, anxiety, depression, debt. I wish I could have been helped.' (sic)

Before being appointed in this new role by Boris Johnson, Dr Alex chatted to us about his ideas on our Mental Health Monday Podcast.

Revealing his plans are based on three main pillars, Dr Alex said, "We need to teach teachers about mental health, and support their mental health because of the stress and the pressures of their roles.

"Two, we want mental health to sit in the curriculum alongside core subjects,

"And three, we want to ramp up counselling in schools. We need to support these children through the next few years. A counsellor in every school is a must."

Watch Dr Alex's full interview below:

Dr Alex has bravely and openly spoke about the heartbreaking loss of his brother in July 2020, urging people to talk if they are struggling.

Speaking on Lorraine at the time, Dr Alex said, “Losing someone to mental health is obviously very tough…when someone is 19, he had a lot of things to look forward to. Mental health is like that it shocks, it’s one of the things that shocks me in my working career and it’s now shocked me in my own personal life. You can’t predict these things. Mental health can affect anyone. It’s so important to realise.”

If you and you want to talk to someone about your mental health, call Samaritans on 116 123, or you can email jo@samaritans.org.

For more advice on where to get support you can also visit Where's Your Head At.

• dr alex george