Truro Man Transforms Car into Mobile Mental Health Awareness Billboard

April 24, 2026 - 13:09

A Truro man has given his vehicle a striking makeover, turning it into a rolling campaign to break the silence around mental health struggles. Ben Drew, a resident of the Cornish city, decided to rebrand his Kia Ceed with bold, eye-catching graphics after losing two close friends to suicide. The car now features messages encouraging open conversations about mental wellbeing, along with contact details for support services.

Drew said the project was born from personal grief and a desire to "end the stigma" that often prevents people from seeking help. "I lost two friends to suicide, and it made me realise how much we need to talk about mental health openly," he explained. "A car is something you see every day, so I thought, why not use it to start conversations?" The vehicle, which now stands out with its bright colours and supportive slogans, has already sparked reactions from passersby and other drivers.

The initiative is part of a broader push in the community to address rising mental health concerns, particularly among men, who are statistically less likely to discuss their emotions. Drew hopes the car will serve as a reminder that help is available and that no one should suffer in silence. "If just one person sees this and reaches out for support, then it’s worth it," he added. The vehicle has been seen around Truro and the surrounding areas, with Drew planning to take it to local events to further spread the message.