How I’m A Celebrity Sparked a Vital Conversation About Counselling
Nikki Schuster, Chief Executive
Watching I’m A Celebrity earlier this week, I was moved by a powerful conversation between McFly’s Danny Jones and Strictly’s Oti Mabuse. Danny spoke candidly about his long-term struggle with anxiety and how therapy has been a lifeline for him since the age of 19. Across the campfire, Oti shared her grief over the loss of her brother Neo, who tragically died by suicide at just 16. She spoke about how different things might have been if he’d had someone to talk to – someone who could have helped him through his pain.
It’s not easy to open up about mental health, especially in front of a national audience. Danny and Oti’s courage was inspiring. But as important as these conversations are, they also highlight a deeper issue: the need for accessible counselling services and the funding to make those services available to everyone who needs them.
Breaking the stigma
Hearing public figures like Danny and Oti share their stories on TV shows that struggling with mental health is something anyone can come up against, and that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a step towards healing. These moments help to start wider conversations and make it easier for others to talk about their own challenges.
For young men like Oti’s brother Neo, who are often less likely to open up, these conversations are especially critical. They show that it’s okay to be vulnerable and that asking for help can be a strength, not a burden.
But talking about mental health is only part of the solution. For many people, the path to getting help is blocked by barriers like the cost of therapy, long waiting lists, or a lack of available services.
Why accessible counselling matters
At Renew, we witness these challenges every day. We hear from people in our community who want to come to us for support but are unable to, because even our most heavily subsidised counselling is out of their financial reach. This has sadly become more and more common in recent years as we feel the effects of the cost-of-living crisis.
Over the last year, thanks to a generous grant from the Mount Fund, we were able to offer fully funded counselling to adults in Basildon who couldn’t otherwise afford it. The difference it made was remarkable. People shared how they felt more in control of their lives, less isolated and more hopeful.
However, the demand for services continues to outpace the resources available. Funding is essential – it’s what allows us to provide the support people need when they need it most.
Prevention saves lives
Oti’s words about her brother Neo, and the grief her family continues to carry, really hit home for me. Oti spoke about how different things might have been if her brother had access to the right support.
Counselling is not just about providing a space to talk—it’s about prevention. It’s about giving people the tools to manage their mental health before it escalates into crisis. Every donation, every grant, every bit of funding we receive helps ensure that no one has to face their struggles in isolation.
Keeping our heads together
At Renew, our Heads Together campaign is all about making counselling accessible to those who need it most. From support for young adults to counselling for those struggling with trauma or isolation, we hope that our winter campaign will help break down the financial barriers that prevent people from accessing vital services.
You can play a role in this mission. Whether by donating, fundraising or simply spreading the word, your support can make counselling accessible to more people.
Let’s keep the conversation going
The bravery Danny and Oti showed on I’m A Celebrity was a reminder of just how important it is to talk about mental health. But we must go beyond conversation and take action to make counselling available to everyone who needs it.
Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind. If you’d like to support our work or learn more about the Heads Together campaign, please click here. Let’s work together to turn these important conversations into life-changing action.
