Celebrity supporters of Mental Health Action Week 2007

The Mental Health Foundation worked with the photographer Spencer Rowell to create a series of images for Mental Health Action Week. Spencer was the photographer behind the iconic ‘Man and Baby’ poster in the 1980s.

Spencer says:

“I’ve been recovering from alcohol and drug addiction for the last 13 years and associate those problems with mental ill-health. I received a lot of help and support during this time and still do - now I want to give something back.

"I really enjoyed working with the Mental Health Foundation to raise awareness about ordinary people experiencing mental health problems.”

More about Spencer's involvement in the campaign 

Jo says:

“For all the assumed benefits of media profile and celebrity status – it’s not all that, all the time. Moments, sometimes long stretches of self doubt and frustration are not unknown to me even now, and certainly were very evident in the past.

But, what I do have, and thankfully what I always had, was the

comfort and support of really good friends and my family. 

“I am only too aware of the isolation and loneliness caused by mental illness – to the sufferer and almost more acutely to those ‘looking on’. Accessing help, support and enlightened treatment is not always there for the asking.

“I fully endorse the work of the Mental Health Foundation and their efforts to raise public awareness of the impact partners, families and friends can make – you do make a difference.”

Gwyneth says:

"Depression is such a serious personal and social enemy that we need to use every possible weapon against it. One of the most important is high-quality research, which is why I’m delighted to support this year’s Mental Health Action Week.

It’s crucial that those who suffer from depression know that they’re not alone, that there are people who can help them. Friendship is one of the greatest resources we have to counter the illness and it’s crucial that as many people as possible know how to help friends and family who are suffering."

Sanjay says: 

"I support the work of the Mental Health Foundation because they believe what I believe: that good food and good company are good for the spirit. 

I am glad to be able to be able to share my love of food with such a fantastic charity. 

I couldn't resist the opportunity to be part of this and doing good at the same time!  I hope you enjoy the coconut and cardamom cake as much as I do and please pass the recipe around."

Read the cake recipes by celebrity chefs

Alan says:

"When asked to support the Mental Health Foundation’s friendship and mental health campaign by donating a cake recipe, not only did I think that it was a great idea, I also felt that this area of illness is so seldom supported or understood.

Having been very fortunate not to have such an illness in my family or circle of friends, I was fairly ignorant of the enormous problems that many people have to face. Now armed with a crumb more knowledge, donating a recipe is the least I could do."

Read the cake recipes by celebrity chefs