Guardians of the Galaxy star Will Poulter has been named as an ambassador for Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing, and Hounslow Mind. 

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, the local branch of the mental health charity announced the Hammersmith-born actor as an ambassador for their youth services at a special screening of his new film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 for young people. 

After the screening, Poulter surprised the audience and talked to them about the importance of taking care of our mental health, and his own struggles with anxiety, depression, and OCD, as well as leading a discussion about the importance of being honest about mental health and sharing coping strategies. 

Will Poulter attended a screening of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 for young people in the area. Photo: HFEH Mind.

Poulter said: "I'm really passionate about the subject of mental health as I was diagnosed in my teens with depression, generalised anxiety disorder, and OCD.  

"When I was growing up, there weren't a lot of people openly talking about their own mental health which is why I wanted to do something for HFEH Mind during this year's Mental Health Awareness Week to help further that conversation and continue to normalise it. 

"I grew up in and around Hammersmith and I didn't know where to go for help when I first realised I was struggling with my mental health as a teenager.  

"I know what it's like to struggle with your mental health when you're young and how important it is to get tailored support.  

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"That's why I wanted to support HFEH Mind and the work they're doing. They provide an incredible range of services for local young people including creative mental health projects, support in schools, as well as a new crisis prevention service in Ealing called 'Circle'.  

"But we need more services and projects like these – both here in London and across the UK too." 

One in six young people aged 7-16 were suffering from a mental health disorder in 2022, up from one in nine five years ago. 

Nana Owusu, Director of Children & Young People's Services at HFEH Mind said: "We owe it to children and young people to make sure we're having these conversations about mental health, that they know where to go for help if they're struggling, and most importantly, that they can access support as soon as they need it.  

"Will's support and openness this week has been fantastic. Hopefully more young people will feel able to start a conversation with their friends about mental health or reach out to their family, teachers or charities like HFEH Mind if they need help."