A mental health organisation has just launched a campaign to discuss how Sheffielders stay afloat.

The campaign #WhatKeepsYouAfloat, from Flourish Sheffield, encourages the community of Sheffield to discuss how they keep on top of their mental health.

Jordan Brandon, a student at the University of Sheffield, founded the movement alongside designer Issy Alderton (@issylucydesign).

The movement will run until 5 December and uplifting posters can be spotted in the city centre that will signpost onlookers to the Sheffield mental health guide. 

This contains be a variety of things that help improve mental health from hobbies and interests to friends and family.

He said: “As a city we are a community of people that care. Sheffield is a city up in the North that has the stereotype of being super friendly.
“I just want to get people talking and sharing their interests and the people that help them so they don’t feel isolated, and to get them working together to make sure that we’re all managing and looking after our mental health.” 

According to Flourish, around 20% of Sheffield are struggling with their mental health. 95,000 people have been diagnosed with depression or anxiety and over 5,000 people are living with a severe mental illness.

Mr Brandon hopes to help Sheffielders recognise they’re never alone and are part of a wider community they can connect with. 

The creator of #WhatKeepsYouAfloat has stressed that we should seize the opportunity to get out into the city and do things that make us happy, now that we can after numerous lockdowns. 

Jordan emphasised the wonderful greenery Sheffield offers through its parks and its proximity to the Peaks. He said: “Now more than ever get out and go for walks and do things that fill your day with a bit of  joy and make you want to get out of bed in the morning , to live every day to the best of your ability.” 

He also stressed that “there isn’t a one size fits all” fix for mental health, and it takes work, but that Sheffield Flourish aims to be there to help people find solutions.

The inspiration for the designs came from the concept of a life buoy station, something that keeps us up. 

If you are struggling with your mental health or want to know more, visit: Local support for when you’re feeling low | Sheffield Mental Health Guide.