My name is Lance Walker and for those who know me a little or know me a lot may know that mental health has always been a huge battleground for me. This has been, and continues to be, a long journey particularly in my late teens to now. It is very easy to push away the idea that we can struggle with our mental health as it can be seen as a sign of weakness and failure. 

For me, it has been tight going at times involving counselling and medication which was perhaps initially, difficult to accept. Sometimes the biggest battle can be the first step in asking for help or support. Even taking time to read literature on the internet to help you realise that you are not alone and this is a battle for many people.

My workplace, Belfast Audi, has partnered with MindWise for a few years now, an amazing charity that helps young and old be aware of and manage their mental health. This could be through school programs, one on one counselling or simply the literature and resources on their website. 

We who struggle, along with our families, deserve the best version of us. That means investing in our mental health and caring for ourselves, whatever way that looks like for different individuals. A charity like MindWise can help us along the way.

I wanted to challenge myself to run my first marathon. I am passionate about running and being active in this way proved invaluable for my mental health. However, along the way I am keen to help others through raising money for a charity that can help us all. My place of employment Belfast Audi will very kindly match whatever money is raised. Therefore, it is a great incentive and opportunity to partner with Belfast Audi and try to raise as much money as possible for MindWise.

Any help and support you could give me along the way would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read a snippet of my story. If anyone felt that they would like to reach out and chat about their own journey, while hearing a little more about mine, I'd be more than happy. 

Thank you all,

Lance

Below is a brief outline of MindWise.

We are MindWise. Our vision is a world where people affected by mental health issues receive support to lead to a fulfilling life through recovery to discovery. We deliver over 30 key services to more than 1000 people affected by mental health issues every day. We raise awareness and campaign for change. We provide advocacy and advice, and train workplaces to better understand and support good mental health.