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- she/her Gemma Ogston Phillips (JEM-uh OG-stun FIL-ips)

Gemma Ogston Phillips is a plant-based chef and founder of Gem's Wholesome Kitchen. Her career focuses on food that nurtures both body and mind.

Why have you chosen to support YoungMinds?

"As a mum of two teenagers, I feel so passionately about being able to help support the mental health crisis that we are being faced with. Both my kids have needed support, and both faced huge waiting lists for help.

We need to make changes to be able to support so many young people and their families with getting help.

When I was a teenager, I too had mental health issues and did not get the support I needed, which had a huge impact on me and my later years.

Things need to change, and I think what YoungMinds are doing is fantastic. I am so passionate about being able to help in some way and thrilled to be an ambassador."

What advice would you give to your younger self?

  • "Take care of yourself because you are number one in charge of that."

  • "Follow your gut instinct. If you feel weird about something or something does not feel right than you are probably right."

  • "It’s okay to say NO to something you don’t feel comfortable with. Say NO more."

  • "Being thin won’t make you happy."

  • "Be grateful for the tiny things because it makes you feel happier."

  • "Ask for help if you need it. Because a problem shared in a problem halved!"

What do you do to switch off and take care of your mental health?

"Switch off my phone and clock out of social media for a few hours over the weekend. It makes such a huge difference to my state of mind and being present with my own thoughts is so important. I spend so much time on my phone even a few hours off makes my head clear.

I love to be outside in nature. Whether that’s a walk by the sea or in the countryside, it just resets my mood.

I also love cold water. I try and have cold showers and sometimes an ice bath. It’s a gamechanger and sets off those natural endorphins, which make you feel so wonderful and totally sorts your head out if you’re really tired or groggy.

And of course, I love to cook something nourishing. Maybe a cosy soup or brightly coloured smoothie. Good food always boosts my mood and makes me feel great."

We celebrate what makes you, you. What three words describes you best?

  • Authentic

  • Colourful

  • Kind

Which of our values do you relate to the most and why?

"Must be: 'kindness is our strength.'"

"My motto in life has always been to be kind. Throughout so many low points, when someone has shown me kindness it really has been a game changer to how I have felt. So for me kindness is everything and can make such a huge difference to how someone may be feeling.

Showing love and compassion can not only make someone else feel better but also makes you feel good, so a double win."

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