Story
My name is Shane I came to Anstee bridge when I was 15 years old for one year. Anstee Bridge is in Kingston Upon Thames and is a project that helps young people aged 11 to 16 years build confidence and resilience and re-engage with education through creativity.
Coming to Anstee Bridge really helped my mental health and gave me somewhere to speak freely about my emotions, be myself and not feel judged. Coming to Anstee Bridge really helped my confidence by meeting lots of people, trying new things and going to new places.
I left school and joined the army at 16. I continued to battle with my mental health and with no support I really struggled and left the army at 18, having got involved in drugs my mental health spiraled out of control.
I am now 19 and back on track and really want to help people who are struggling like I was. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. You just have to find your purpose. I also feel we really need to break the stigma about boys and young men's mental health. Talking and asking for help is ok.
I am now setting goals to help myself move forward. I have been concentrating on my physical health to get my self strong, by going to the gym, hiking and running. Ultimately I would like to run a full marathon with other people who have been struggling with their mental health .
So this will by my first half marathon raising money for Friends of Anstee Bridge.https://ansteebridge.co.uk/
PLEASE support me. Every penny goes towards helping young people struggling with their confidence and mental health.