I care a lot about mental health.

I’ve experienced it from both sides — counselling, antidepressants, self-doubt, anxiety, and a healthy number of “f-it” moments… while outwardly looking like I was doing just fine. More recently, I completed the first year of a degree in Counselling Skills alongside a day job in Engineering. The disconnect of having to outwardly be seen to be OK and not asking for help is incredibly common, especially in men, and it still doesn’t get talked about enough.

The reality is that the strongest version of me exists because of the support I’ve had from friends, family, and professionals behind the scenes. I value those life-tools they’ve given me far more than any career or academic achievement.

People are good at going to the gym and eating well to look after their bodies, sharing achievements with friends and on social media. As a society we’re much less attuned to looking after our minds — even though that’s what tells you to go the gym in the first place.

That’s why I’m proud to be supporting Mind, a charity that shows up when things feel heavy and words are hard to find.

And why I'm asking for your support to help justify an impromptu decision that takes me waaaay outside my comfort zone and challenges me physically, mentally and very much... rhythmically.

I’m competing in The Strictly Experience 2026 — Mind’s biggest fundraising event in Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. With absolutely zero dance experience (and I mean zero), I’ll be training intensively for seven weeks before performing live on stage at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry.

There are 20 amateur contestants, two full routines each, and I joined late to fill a place last minute. So if you chose to support anyone, support the underdog!

Every donation helps fund local mental health services for people and families who genuinely need them. If you can support, I’d be hugely grateful.

I've suffered life events I didn't know I couldn't handle on my own. I cried why Goose died. And I get burnt out balancing work and family life while continuing to learn about myself, on occasion beyond the point its healthy. But I balanced that out by standing next to a barbecue, putting up a shelf, and having a beer — so emotionally speaking, the world says I'm OK right? I'm beyond that now and I bl**dy love it. Be confident, trust yourself, and dive in head first.

Come and watch, donate if you can, and help me smash this with my brilliant dance partner Bev — while breaking a few outdated stereotypes along the way.

It’s good to talk.

Mitch x