AN UNUSUAL mental health awareness campaign has been launched at RAF Benson which will see individuals carrying around a big black dog.

Flight Sergeant Tracy Barrow has served with the RAF Police for 20 years and she has seen how mental health can impact individuals and families. She refers to depression as a metaphorical black dog, following the individual at all times and casting a shadow over their life.

To help raise awareness of mental health issues and encourage open conversation, Ms Barrow will be carrying a big black dog around with her at all times. She will also be encouraging others to do the same.

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Having experienced her own mental health struggle following an operational deployment in 2012, Ms Barrow believes that she was fortunate to have a support network to help her through those difficult times.

She said: “I didn’t ask for help because of the stigma. Reducing the stigma of mental health is the most important thing. It’s okay not to be okay”.

She has also chosen to fundraise for the RAF Benevolent Fund and PTSD Resolution, who both provide support and help to service personnel and veterans with mental health conditions. The flight sergeant set herself a target of £500, which she has already exceeded within days of the challenge beginning.

It is hoped that other RAF units will also take on the challenge.