Hi, my name is Jason and I am walk leader for this group.

I work in the construction industry supply chain and in August 2023 found myself being made redundant, I felt low and unworthy but pushed on and was offered a new position days later. A month into new position guess what it happened again, twice in three months. Here’s where I changed, it absolutely battered me, could not get out of bed didn’t want to wake up and felt a let down to everyone around me. The thoughts I was having about not being here anymore just made it worse. I don’t have the strength to carry on, my thoughts turned to how I was going to end it all. I wasn’t me anymore and who would want me ( my thoughts ) I spoke with my wife about how I felt and she was basically on 24hr watch checking in on me throughout the day whilst I was at home, hiding all medications/tablets – anything that I could harm myself with.

I eventually got another job which is my current job but I struggled to engage and be enthusiastic about it and anything else. My wife spoke to a friend  about a MWAT group she had seen in Kenilworth and that I should go, that was a big fat no from me when my wife suggested it. Her friend then spoke to me directly and basically told me off, I then  decided to go that week.
Reluctantly, I turned up in the carpark and just sat there, the walk leader Mark looked over so I was kinda forced to get out.

Here’s where my life changed.

I walked up to Mark and he asked if I was Jason, I said I was and subsequently broke down in tears. We chatted and met some of the others and went on the walk. I have to say we spoke about completely random stuff as we walked around and I felt loads better. Mark and the group made me feel normal again. I took the plunge to go on the zoom call on a Tuesday, which at the time was hosted by Lee Anderson and again I broke down online in front of eight guys, I was a mess but Lee normalised these emotions and after the meeting he pointed me in the direction of the Lighthouse Charity for counselling.

I have been attending the Kenilworth group for nearly a year and it has saved my life. I had some very difficult things to deal with but the whole MWAT community has helped me through it. I have recently completed the Mental Health First Aid course and am actively helping others, I now feel ready to give back.

I could have just given up and not been here anymore but MWAT was there. I look forward to meeting you on the walk.

Thank you 🙏