Former Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson has been named as the head of a new ‘mental health advisory group’ aimed at improving support for reality television show participants.
The group – created thanks to a new five-year partnership between the channel and Mind – will give “practical advice” to the makers of popular programmes such as Love Island following the deaths of several former contestants.
Ms Davidson, who has previously spoken out about her own battles with mental health, said she was “delighted to be involved” in the unpaid role – designed to protect the mental welfare of audiences and participants.
ITV was forced to cancel the Jeremy Kyle show earlier this year after the death of guest Steve Dymond.
READ MORE: Ruth Davidson on mental health issues and how she battled depression
A House of Commons culture select committee later branded producers of the show “irresponsible” over the widespread use of lie detector tests on the daytime programme, while also hearing evidence from Love Island contestants Marcel Somerville and Yewande after the deaths of fellow participants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis.
In a statement, Ms Davidson said: “"Television can have a huge impact on people's lives and on the life of the nation.”
“Creating a culture which supports the mental health of one another is so important and ITV and STV's position means they can make a real difference in working towards this goal.
"I look forward to working with ITV and STV to make a genuine difference to people's lives."
Delighted to accept the invitation from @ITV & @WeAreSTV to chair their Mental Health Advisory Group. @itv & @WeAreSTV are committed to supporting the mental wellbeing of staff & contributors, and to use their platforms to change the way we talk about mental health in the UK.
— Ruth Davidson (@RuthDavidsonMSP) October 15, 2019
Ms Davidson stood down as leader of the party in August, citing a conflict over her feelings on Brexit and personal reasons.
She previously spoke about her struggles with self-harm, suicidal thoughts and depression during her time as a student and has called on social media firms to take more responsibility in tackling cyber bullying.
READ MORE: Former Scottish tory leader Ruth Davidson reveals aid work ambition
Ms Davidson added: "For far too long, Scotland has failed to talk enough about the importance of mental health."
“Putting it at the top of the national agenda is something we can all get behind, no matter our political allegiance.
"It is a subject with a particular personal resonance and I hope to champion that cause over the coming months and years."
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