MENTAL HEALTH champions

Many of our most-loved celebs are raising awareness and support for those struggling psychologically

- CHRISTABEL SMITH

During the dark days of bleak midwinter, summer can feel like an impossible illusion. In 2005, the third Monday of January was dubbed 'the most depressing day of the year', with grey weather, a lack of daylight and the comedown from Christmas festivities all playing a part.

That's why Mind and Rethink Mental Illness (in partnership with Co-op) has chosen this time of year for its Time to Talk Day, which falls on 6 February 2025. It's a UK-wide campaign to encourage conversations about mental wellbeing between family, friends and colleagues.

Here, we celebrate some of the stars working to reduce the stigma around mental health by supporting charities and speaking about their own ups and downs.

DAVINA MCCALL

Having pulled her way out of drug addiction over 30 years ago, the TV presenter - who recently underwent surgery for a brain tumour - has long channelled her energy into making a difference to others, speaking candidly about her childhood trauma, and promoting the benefits of exercise for managing anxiety, stress and low self-esteem. Now an ambassador for The Menopause Charity, she has been highlighting the need to break taboos and encourage better support for women in the workplace. 'I used to think menopause was an age thing,' she says. 'Now I realise it's a woman thing.'

SHERIDAN SMITH

The actor says her head 'started playing tricks' in 2011. On stage in