Get #TottenhamTalking about mental health. How? I’m running the Big Half Marathon, &then my family are walking a mile in my shoes the Vitality Mile yo be precise, all to raise awareness and funds for this vital local charity.

And it seems to be working… Since opening this page i have exceeded my £3,000 target & people have reached out to learn more about TT & to tell their mental health stories. Bravery, Honesty and talking is essential. Sooooo…

Hi, I’m Rob; an architect; a Dad to 2 boys; a husband…& i run to keep my head clear of the negative “thoughts“ and the “voices”. In July 2023, I experienced a mental health crisis that nearly cost me my life. I was living with long term anxiety, depression, & a sense of hopelessness as a result of work stress and the need to also be a present Dad and husband. Plus a perfect storm of other issues. Anxiety gets me in the stomach and finally that became a real health emergency. I wouldn’t wish career and family breakdown on anyone. And the trouble with me is that i am high function, i hide my feelings very well and i just try to keep going.

Until…One morning i just couldn’t get out of bed…and another day i just lay in the park in pouring rain. someone like Matt Haig has a better way to describe that feeling than I. The not alive feeling.

My first call for help was to Tottenham Talking — and they were there for me. Immediately. With no waiting list. No cost. Just care, compassion, and community. They welcomed me into art classes; mindful writing and mens walk and talk

That’s why I’m now running — to give back, and to make sure they can continue helping others when they need it most.

Tottenham Talking is based at Chestnuts Community Centre and offers support every weekday, completely free of charge. Unlike many overstretched services, they don’t make you wait months. They meet you where you are — with open doors and open hearts.

They support people who are:

Isolated or feeling alone

Recovering from a mental health crisis

Looking for connection, support, or direction

Facing barriers to traditional therapy

Just needing someone to talk to

I have been in the built environment profession for 20 years but it was TT that helped me begin to rebuild. Now I want to shine a light on men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and the power of simply talking. This affects anybody. I am a high functioning individual brought up in life to just carry on - to man up; to chin up; to show some balls; to carry the burden! Ignored the signs - personal, career and relationship breakdown.

Please help me reach my goal by donating whatever you can. Every pound helps keep this vital service running — and ensures someone else gets the same lifeline I did.

Let’s break the silence. Let’s fund the talk.