(WFSB) — On World Mental Health Day, A new global effort is not only raising awareness, but also pushing back against social stigma.
One man turned heartbreak into hope, inspiring real people to start real life-saving conversations. From the United Kingdom, Dave Scholes is showing how anyone can make a difference.
Dave Scholes remembers the first day he met Ian Carter in college in England. Ian was the life of the party, so when he died by suicide years later, it was a crushing blow that would reshape Scholes’ life purpose.
“And that might just be to say, ‘Look, we’re doing okay at the moment, but if we’re ever not, I’ll be here for you, you be here for me, and we’ll go through this stuff together,’” Scholes said.
Out of grief came action. Scholes founded Six Connections to encourage early conversations about mental health, believing that prevention through connection could save lives.
“People have reached out to me and said this kept my friend on the planet, me having that conversation at the right place and the right time,” Scholes said.
Justine Bedford, landlady of The Royal Dyche Pub, is doing her part by helping to keep the conversations flowing at her establishment. Her pub now serves as more than just a gathering place—it’s become a resource center for mental health support.
“So you can scan the QR code and it will take you to our website and it tells you all about Six Connections. It gives you the mental health helplines as well,” Bedford said.
The initiative is all about spreading the word about support for mental health, making resources accessible in everyday locations where people naturally gather.
Scholes envisions a ripple effect that could reach countless lives through simple human connection.
“Wouldn’t it be brilliant if this weekend everybody that saw this just went and connected with one of their friends—and they go and speak to six and they go and speak to six and they go and speak to six,” Scholes said.
Because Scholes believes if one chat can save a life, six could change the world.
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