Hope 100 - Suicide Prevention

Health & Wellbeing • 6 min read • Sep 10, 2024 1:50:40 PM • Written by: James Howes

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and encouraging open conversations. At Warrington Wolves Community Foundation, we are committed to providing support to those who need it most, and our Offload programme has become a lifeline for many.

In this special blog, Kev, one of our Offload participants, shares his deeply personal story about how our men's mental health support group not only helped him through difficult times but ultimately saved his life. Kev’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of reaching out, speaking up, and knowing that help is always available.

"Starting the conversation was the hardest part of my journey, but it also turned out to be the best part…

In 2019 my mental fitness took a turn for the worse. I became extremely anxious and depressed, didn’t want to get up for work and dreaded the daily commute.

People started to see a difference in me but rather than talk about it with friends, family and colleagues I did the typical bloke thing, tried to brush it off and always responded with the words 'I’m fine'.

To keep up the illusion that everything was fine I tried to kid myself by self-medicating with alcohol and this just made me worse.

Lockdown then came along and the world started to fall around me with no daily structure in place.

It was at this time I was seriously considering taking my life as I could see no way out…

That was until I found Offload, a men's mental health project run by Rugby League Cares. After several attempts I finally plucked up the courage to go along. For the 5 weeks I just sat there and never even said a word, then I found my voice.

I felt safe enough to talk about my life, I was not judged, and I was not ridiculed for the way I felt. I was listened to and supported in a way that I never had been before.

The relief of realising 'it’s not just me' was palpable and this has been a huge factor in me achieving a level of positive mental fitness.

I am now more than happy to talk about my situation and am currently in a headspace to talk to different groups of people who are struggling with the challenges of life.

Despite being a Widnes Vikings supporter, I (reluctantly!) credit the Warrington Wolves for helping me moving forward and am now a better person, husband, father and friend because of the spaces they create for men like me to open up and ask for help.

I am now a qualified Mental Health 1^st Aider, and as a volunteer for Extra Time use my experiences to be a listening ear when others need help during their difficult times.

This week is World Suicide Prevention Day and focuses on shifting the culture of silence which I was part of, to one of openness, understanding and support which I can say from personal experience is a much better place to be in.

Offload and Extra Time saved my life and if you find the courage to take the first step through the door on your journey, they might just also save yours.

Kev"

Offload is a men’s mental fitness and wellbeing project run by Rugby League Cares, helping challenge how the sporting world tackles issues such as depression and anxiety and has already received widespread acclaim for its work with thousands of men.

Sessions run every Tuesday, 18:30 at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

There’s no need to sign up in advance, just show up. The hardest thing is taking those first few steps through the door but once you’re in, you’re greeted by a fantastic volunteer team made up of former ‘Offloaders’.

Don’t let the stigma around talking about your mental health hold you back.

Kev’s story is a powerful reminder of the vital work being done to raise awareness and support mental health in our community. Just two days ago, over 200 people took part in our Hope 100 Suicide Prevention Walk, coming together to show their commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. This incredible turnout demonstrates the strength of our community and the collective determination to make a difference. Included in the 221 individuals that took part, 17 of those were adults from our Thursdays 'Fit to Tackle' programme, an exercise group for individuals with learning disabilities.

As we continue to reflect on the importance of days like World Suicide Prevention Day, Kev’s journey highlights the profound impact of initiatives like Offload, and the ongoing need for open conversations, support, and hope for all those who are struggling.