Man uses car to raise awareness of mental health

A man who lost two friends to suicide has used his car to raise awareness of men's mental health.

Ben Drew, from Truro, Cornwall, gave his Kia Ceed a makeover to help "break the silence" and "end the stigma" surrounding the issue.

Drew said he rebranded the car in April 2025 to promote the mental health charity, Man Down UK, which was founded in the county, adding that the whole purpose of the car was to "stop the suicide rate going up".

"You would be surprised how many people, when they see the car, thank me for trying to do something to raise awareness," he said. "With the death rate getting higher, I just wanted to... let men know that it is okay to speak up."

Drew said the makeover was "just a random idea" he had after losing two friends to suicide.

He said both adults and children loved to see the "mobile billboard", adding people had previously left thank you bracelets on the green-coloured car.

"The more and more my car is being seen, the more and more people are starting to reach out to Man Down," he said.

"If I'm having a bad day, I know that I have friends that I can go and talk to, where as before I did what most people do and not say anything.

"You are never alone. No matter how bad you feel during that situation or time there is always someone out there willing to listen."

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