BBC News School Report @ LCS

A man from Derby, whose father killed himself, is campaigning to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health among Asian communities. Kal Singh Dhindsa says too many British Asians seek help too late for problems like depression.

Mr Singh Dhindsa has written a book featuring his father’s battle with mental illness and says it is important that people talk more about the issue. He said, on social media, “People seem to think that people suffering from it are either possessed or someone you need to stay away from. But it’s not on because these people obviously need help and need to be directed to medical assistance or counselling.” Kal Singh Dhindsa was newly married and a recently qualified teacher when he received the news that his father had taken his own life.

People seem to think that people suffering from it are either possessed or someone you need to stay away from.

Mr Singh on mental illness.

We asked Mr Wilding (Assistant Head of Littleover Community School) what he thought about mental health issues and he said “I think that the resources for young people are very poor” and “that is why we employ a full time councillor.”

We asked a year 8 pupil (called Katie) what she thought about suicide and she said “I feel that nobody should have to put themselves through that” and that “suicide is not the answer to their problems.”