Having had a year off, I've decided to don my walking boots again and this time it's in aid of CALM.
As many of you will know I've had my own issues with mental health over the last few years; depression, anxiety and self harming. I do however consider myself to be one of the lucky ones.
Not everyone is that lucky and whilst I've seen great strides made with people talking about mental health in the media, there's one shocking statistic that still needs to be tackled.
Suicide is the single biggest cause of death of men aged 20-45 in the UK and in 2014, 76% of suicides were male. Something needs to change.
CALM campaign and challenge the culture that insists that a man who seeks support is somehow less of a man. They also provide a free, anonymous and confidential helpline and web chat service allowing men the chance to offload and receive professional advice and support.
I have a 16 year old brother and it scares me that he's growing up in a society that doesn't allow men to talk comfortably about their feelings for fear of humiliation. It's my hope, that through taking on the London to Brighton challenge, I can help eradicate that stigma and ensure every man who needs someone to talk to, has someone.
As little as £7 can pay for 1 call to be taken on the helpline; a call that could save a life, and that could be the life of your friend, your husband, your father or your brother.
Any help you can give will be most gratefully received; no amount is too small.
Michelle x
