Love Island star Dr Alex visits Newport mental health charity Hafal

After completing a series of challenges to raise money for Sport Relief, Dr George visited Newport-based Hafal to better understand the work of the charity and how Sport Relief donations help to support its work.

Hafal aids people with serious mental illnesses and their carers. Its early intervention programme uses music to connect with young men aged 14-25 who have experienced episodes of psychosis.

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Service users take part in community-based group music sessions, whilst also being offered one-to-one support that provides emotional care and develops their social skills.

"The work they do is incredible," said Dr George. "As a doctor, I am aware of the difficulties some of the beneficiaries and their carers face, and mental health is super important to me.

“The way that Hafal work with young men is really inspiring and it’s encouraging to see the care and time that is put into making the individuals feel supported through their mental illnesses and to challenge the stigmas associated.

“The music at Hafal was awesome! It’s a great form of therapy. I couldn’t resist getting up there on stage and joining them for a jam as well – even if my guitar skills were a little rusty.”