The Last Leg praised by viewers for encouraging mental health support

Channel 4 programme backs hashtag ‘#ItWillBeOk’ to promote conversations regarding mental health

Late night talk show The Last Leg has been commended by viewers for highlighting the importance of mental health support following Caroline Flack’s death.

During Friday evening’s episode of the Channel 4 programme, comedian Adam Hills read a question that a viewer tweeted using the hashtag “#IsItOk”, a recurring theme on the show.

The question asked: “#IsItOk to just be kind on social media for now on after the death of Caroline Flack? #BeKind [sic].”

On Saturday 15 February, it was reported that Caroline Flack had passed away at the age of 40, having taken her own life.

Hills responded to the #IsItOk question by first referencing a quote that the former Love Island presenter shared on Instagram in December, which stated: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”

The comedian explained that in his opinion, “that phrase ‘be kind’ just felt really, really positive and might be the key”.

Hills and his fellow The Last Leg presenters Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker each outlined their personal approaches on social media and how people can make better efforts to spread kindness, rather than hate, online.

Widdicombe said that he deleted the Twitter app from his phone after realising how much time he was spending on the social media platform.

“I never finished looking at Twitter happier than when I’ve started looking at Twitter. And it’s not because of abuse or anything. Even just refreshing what people are saying about you, I don’t think is a healthy way to kind of perceive yourself,” he said.

Brooker added that “ideally we should be kinder”, saying: “We should be nicer to each other on social media. And most people probably take that on board and they’ll appreciate that and that’ll be something that they’ll do.”

Following the trio’s discussion, Hills urged The Last Leg viewers to use the hashtag “#ItWillBeOk” in order to spread “a sonic boom of positive energy” and help make people who are struggling with mental health issues feel supported.

“For me, the biggest thing to come out of this week is the need for better mental health,” Hills said. “We’ve been talking about it all week. How to support people who are struggling.

“Every company has a first aid person, but some have a mental health first aid person. And I think someone who’s trained to recognise when a coworker needs help, and more importantly knows what to do... I mean the more programmes like that, the better for everyone.”

Several Twitter users praised The Last Leg for shining a light on mental health during Friday evening’s show.

“Brilliant to hear @TheLastLeg talking about mental health first aid tonight. Such a worthwhile qualification,” one person said.

“#ItWillBeOk @TheLastLeg doing their bit for mental health!” another wrote. “This is the year we can sack the stigma of mental health for once and all.”

If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

For services local to you, the national mental health database – Hub of Hope – allows you to enter your postcode to search for organisations and charities who offer mental health advice and support in your area.