APPRENTICE star Navid Sole says it was Nicki Minaj who helped him overcome his mental health struggles.

Navid, who works as a pharmacist, paid tribute to the American singer as part of World Mental Health Day where he revealed his mission to revolutionise mental health support.

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In his role, Navid said he hoped to raise awareness about the vital role of pharmacist prescribers in mental health support.

Speaking about his own experiences, Navid, 29, said: “My journey towards championing mental health wasn’t a smooth ride; it was a rollercoaster.

“Nicki Minaj’s unwavering spirit inspired me to confront my mental health struggles head-on and transform them into a catalyst for change.

“As someone who faced the crushing weight of social anxiety and witnessed the impact of mental health issues within my family, I understand the gravity of these battles.

“Those experiences fuelled my commitment to stand up and be the advocate I wished I had during my darkest days.

“In the depths of my struggles, I found solace in Nicki’s music, which lifted me from the abyss. Now, I’m on a mission to extend that lifeline to others.”

Navid, who graduated from Kings College London with a Master’s degree in pharmacy in 2017, said he hoped to champion how pharmacists can help take some pressure off the NHS

He explained: “Breaking free from the stereotypes surrounding pharmacist prescribers is crucial to me.

“I want to showcase their invaluable role in mental health care. By shedding light on this often-overlooked aspect, we can ease the pressure off our overwhelmed NHS, making care more accessible and efficient.

“Pharmacists are the unsung heroes of mental health support. They’re in the community, accessible and empathetic.

“Yet, their role remains underestimated. Let’s increase awareness and knowledge about what they can do for mental health patients. Let’s make them the first line of defence and support.”

Singer Sinitta backed Navid’s mission which he kicked off today.

Navid, who also appeared on Celebs Go Dating, added: “Celebrities like Sinitta standing by this cause exemplify the collective strength needed to combat the mental health pandemic.

“Their influence amplifies our message, making it heard far and wide. Let’s build a movement that sparks change, resonates with the masses, and ultimately saves lives.”

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