A few years back i was in need of some help. Being young, stubborn and somewhat isolated, i always thought i was okay dealing with mental turmoil on my own, It took a true friend to make a call for me. Jack asked me if i would mind if he gave YANA a ring and pass on my number. By this point i’d reached such a low that of course, i finally admitted to myself and everyone around me that i was not okay.

That was the start of a Journey. With the amazing support and therapy YANA provide i can truly say i've overcome a hurdle that i was struggling to jump on my own. One thing that has helped me a lot along this journey has been running and i always spoke about how much id love to run a marathon with my counsellor at the time so let’s see what we can do. On Christmas Day i’m going to run 26 miles in memory of anyone who is no longer with us due to suicide.

If we can raise some money to help fund the amazing work YANA do to turn more people’s lives around maybe one christmas families around the country won’t be sat at the table missing someone they loved.

Everyone deserves the right to know that You Are Not Alone.

Thanks for reading,

John Tottman.

YANA provides confidential support. A call to the helpline can result in fast track access to funded counselling with professional counsellors who understand rural life

YANA builds understanding of mental health, providing the support and confidence to start conversations to help those who are in need

YANA invests in Mental Health First Aid training in order to get MH first aiders into every sector of the industry

YANA runs a national campaign on Suicide Prevention - 'Seven Tractor Facts to Save a Life'