The head of a youth organisation who spoke about his own mental health issues has seen his video shared thousands of times.

Sam Ali, CEO of the SWITCH Youth and Community Organisation posted a video on his Instagram account where he talked about his own experiences and how you could help a friend by simply talking to them.

He said in the post, "My message to everyone about mental health! My intention is to share my experience, raise awareness and help others to reach out for support."

In the video he describes how his childhood affected him a lot and speaks of his dad leaving the household when he was ten.

"By the time I was sixteen I had hit rock bottom. I was expelled from school and was in trouble with the police.

"I went through phases of homelessness before moving to Blackburn with Darwen.

“I went through depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts. I went through self-harming. It was a very very dark place.

“It weakened me mentally and physically. I wasn’t eating and I wasn’t sleeping.”

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Sam said it only got better when he reached out for support.

“I am privileged to be in a position now where people do look out to me. I do ask for support and advice.”

He added, “You have to support and you have to be that ear. You have got to be that person that can reach out so they don’t feel lonely."

He asked for people to reach out to others as individuals,

"It is always good to be on the safe side and offer that support and say 'are you alright?'

"That is the best thing. Just to say that and say I am here for you. If you need anything then give me a call."

SWITCH is Youth and Community Organisation who work with young people aged 8-21 years old in youth work, sports, arts, music, dance, drama also offering services in education and development programmes.