Friends Spread Positive Messages on Tags Across Taunton to Support People with Mental Health Issues

By Michael Taylor

If you have been walking around Taunton, you may have spotted a number of tags appearing in the town.

If you haven't seen them already - the hand written labels can be found on the bridge overlooking the train tracks in Obridge and the top of the multi storey Orchard Street Car Park.

They're inspired by 'Project Tag', a mental health awareness campaign where notes carrying supporting messages are placed help change a vulnerable person's mind in a moment of crisis.

While the movement originates in Scotland, two Taunton residents have introduced a similar idea in Somerset.

Hannah White, along with her friend, Kirsty Sedgbeer, have worked together to create positive tags over the past week.

The 27-year-old told Somerset Live how she became inspired to create the tags after facing her own mental health struggles.

She said: "We did it based on a few things. Mainly being, I have mental health issues and a lot of people my friend and I know are suffering to the point of crisis."

"The idea that someone maybe feeling down enough to take their own life only to be confronted with love and kindness in regards to these tags is a wonderful concept.

"We notice Samaritans signs on the bridges but personally making them and putting them out I would hope would give more of a personal feel to messages on them."

One attached to a bridge in the Obridge area reads: "I just want to let you know that you are amazing" while another states: "You have the power to say, this is now how my story will end."

Hannah added that Kirsty's six-year-old son is helping the pair - she spoke about how important it is he understands mental health issues at a young age.

She added: "We explained to him in child friendly terms what we were doing.

"It felt like bringing children up to be supportive and aware was equally important."

Since she and her friend started to place tags around Taunton, Hannah has called the reaction "amazing".

The duo recently revealed their work on Facebook in order to explain the idea behind their campaign.

So far she has been humbled by online comments, stating: "A few people have messaged us directly.

"Some friends especially who were struggling and felt embarrassed have messaged us and have felt they have the confidence to seek help from a GP now."

The 27-year-old aims to continue the pair's inspirational journey and says the duo have "a few places in mind" to place more tags.

Are you affected by any issues raised by this article?

Talk to someone.

There are useful helplines and websites available now.

Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org .

Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.

PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults.

Depression Alliance is a charity for people with depression. It doesn’t have a helpline, but offers a wide range of useful resources and links to other relevant information. http://www.depressionalliance.org/

Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying. http://studentsagainstdepression.org/

The Sanctuary (0300 003 7029) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year, for people who are struggling to cope - experiencing depression, anxiety, panic attacks or in crisis.

Hannah remarked: "We have extra tags ready to go out when we have a minute to have a walk around.

"But obviously spreading it about a bit people might have more ideas or even join in as well.

"The motorway bridges I believe are our next mission unless someone else gets there first."

She adds some tags could be placed in spots around Bridgwater in the coming days.

Article/Source: https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/tags-mental-health-taunton-campaign-1892221