International Men’s Day (IMD) is on 19th November each year and is marked across the UK and the world and serves as a day to acknowledge and celebrate men’s contributions to society and to promote awareness of men’s mental health and well-being. The International Men’s Day 2025 theme is “Celebrating Men and Boys”. This theme highlights the positive value men and boys bring to the world.
KEY ASPECTS OF IMD 2025
Celebrating Men and Boys: The overarching theme focuses on recognising the positive contributions and value of men and boys in all aspects of life.
Promoting Awareness: The day aims to raise awareness of men’s physical and mental health, and the social, emotional, and spiritual well-being of men and boys.
Highlighting Positive Role Models: The theme encourages the celebration of positive male role models, both famous and everyday, to inspire others.
Addressing Discrimination: International Men’s Day also serves as a platform to highlight discrimination against men and to promote greater gender equality.
Creating a Better World: Ultimately, the goal is to create a safer, better world for everyone by fostering a positive conversation around men, manhood, and masculinity.
We caught up with 5 Inspiring Surrey Men for IMD/25 to bring you this cover feature. Hope you enjoy reading their stories and they can help/impact you in some way if you are a man or boy suffering.
Below are just a handful organisations that offer free mental health support to those in need. It is advisable that for anyone feeling vulnerable that they speak with their local GP to see what other options might be available to them.
Mental health has its own unique way of presenting itself to every individual it takes a hold of. Meaning no two people are ever the same with what they might be feeling or even why they feel the way they do. We urge you to get in touch to a medical professional if anything is affecting you. A problem shared is a problem halved.
SAMARITANS
The Samaritans, provide 24-hour online and phone support to people in distress.
Call: 116 123
MIND
Mind, provides advice and support for people experiencing mental health problems.
Call: 0300 123 3393
RETHINK
Rethink, provides support and advice for people living with mental health issues.
Call: 0300 5000 927
SANE
Sane, provides out of hours mental health emotional support, guidance and information.
Call: 0300 304 7000
CALM
Calm, is a mental health charity dedicated to preventing male suicide.
Call: 0800 58 58 58
SHOUT
Shout, is a free mental health texting service available 24/7.
Text: 85258
JASON BURRILL
Age: 49
Job Title: Entrepreneur & Philanthropist
Lives: Brighton and London
Jason’s Story
Surrey-born ‘Bond’ star, entrepreneur and philanthropist Jason Burrill won the UK’s biggest reality game show ‘Big Brother’ in 2016 after being the most popular “good guy” in the house. His acting work’s since seen him star in ‘The Serpent’, and Jason’s also known for being a body double in the James Bond film ‘Spectre’ and Marvel’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. He has experienced mental health problems including Anxiety, ADHD and Autism. He talks about his Big Brother experience to Angela Sara West. “It was a lot tougher than I ever imagined. Like a complete and total idiot, I didn’t put a lot of thought into the concept of what was actually involved with entering a house for two months, being totally cut off from the outside world, and living with 16 attention-seeking ‘strangers’ manipulated by a production team and being watched and recorded 24/7. All my life I have lived alone and pretty much done what I want without scrutiny. I was only approached to go in a month or so before the show started and, at the time, was more concerned about getting everything in place in the real world so I still had something to return to. I thought I would just deal with the house as and when it happened. Was I in for a shock! In the eight weeks I was in there, I walked out on the final night to find out that we were no longer in Europe, we had changed the prime minister, Andy Murray had won Wimbledon again, Mick Jagger had had a baby at 74 and England had lost to Iceland and were out of the Euros!”
Were you also shocked that you won Big Brother?
Yes, I was shocked. To be honest, I don’t think anyone can or should go into something like that and expect to win (although plenty of egos think differently). No-one wants to get kicked out and hated on, just some people are thicker skinned than others. My aim was, ‘Please don’t let me be the first to be voted out’, then you set yourself a goal to make it to halfway and then, if you get that far, you want to make it to the final night.
You own a successful international property business. What is the secret to your success as an entrepreneur?
I don’t think there is a secret as such… Obviously work hard, the more hours you put in, the more chance of something being successful. No-one gets very far doing a 10-hour week! Never relinquish control, have good people around you, trust no one 100%.
What are your top tips for men just starting out in business?
Sometimes, you may have what you think is the best idea in the world, and no matter how much time and money you throw into it, it’s just not working out. You have got to walk away, lick your wounds and start again.
There is no point in putting all your effort into something that’s just not happening, be it a car that, no matter what you spend on it, it still breaks down, or a relationship that no matter what you do is still toxic. It’s no different with a business that makes no money. Walk away and start again. Learn from what went wrong and do not make the same mistakes twice!
Whatever you do in life, give everything 110%. If it fails, then at least you can say you tried. If you don’t give 110% then you’ll never know if it would have worked! That goes for work, love and life. And enjoy it… There is no point in doing anything in this world if you don’t enjoy it. You can have a lot of money but never be happy… Trust me, I know.
What are the biggest challenges you have faced and overcome in life?
Okay, I had a bit of a breakdown a few years ago. I would have given everything and anything just to feel happy for once.
I sought help but the system is broken. It was disgusting what little ‘government’ help was out there and the lack of empathy and understanding. I called 111 as a last resort, after a woman in the waiting room saw I was struggling and suggested I do that. She was amazing, thank you.
I have since been diagnosed with high social anxiety, ADHD and autism. The anxiety stems from being bullied at school and putting on a front all my life, an act, to just get through the day. I still do it now. But I try to use autism and ADHD to my advantage to keep everything in order and have some continuity in my life.
What have you learned from this?
I’ve learnt to say ‘No.’ If I don’t want to do something, I just say ‘no’, instead of people pleasing and saying ‘yes’ and then being anxious and worried for days, weeks and months and, when the time comes, pulling out at the last minute.
Talk about it, explain to people how you’re feeling. You’ll be surprised how many understand or relate to you. If I can help someone with advice from my mistakes and it helps them, then that’s all that matters.
Who are the men who have had the biggest influence on your life?
My Dad. I didn’t realise it at the time he was alive. I think sometimes we take people for granted or don’t understand them because of the generation gap. But I now realise his work ethic, his love and protection of us, were a huge influence. Plus, he taught me to speak to everyone how I would expect to be spoken to myself.
What do you do to stay mentally healthy?
I sleep four hours a night. I need a reason to get up in the morning and that reason for me is work, a project, a job, a meeting, just something… I cannot get up just to have breakfast and sit around waiting to have lunch! I need to train most days to stay fit and healthy and I play as much sport as I can to the highest level I can. It’s good to stay active mentally and physically.
I also stay busy with my charity work. I support the Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice, Starr Trust which supports young people, Raystede Animal Sanctuary, Goals4G.O.S.H which fundraises for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s charity and The K9 Angels.
And, of course, I’ve hosted and walked the catwalk at your Surrey Fashion Week (wearing a matching outfit with a K9 Angels’ Romanian rescue dog!) in aid of Mind mental health charity, Prostate Cancer UK and Surrey’s Royal Marsden cancer hospital via your fundraising platform The Triple C www.thetriplec.co.uk
What advice would you give other men going through a difficult time?
No-one is going to help you if you don’t want to help yourself. There are too many people in this world who are out for themselves, are selfish or will let you down. Only you can decide your own fate. DO NOT GIVE UP. Make 10 calls and if 10 don’t find you help, make 11 calls. Fight, never give up.
I’ve learnt to not rely on anyone and to have no expectations of others. Sometimes it’s you, and only you, that can make a difference. Sometimes you have to do things yourself. It may be because of others that you feel like you do, or are in the situation you are in. So, even more reason not to rely on anyone to pick you back up only to drop you again. Sometimes you are the only person that can help yourself.
Set yourself a goal, a target, something to aim for, and when you hit that goal, set yourself another. Be as strong as you can. Eat healthily. Sh*t food affects you mentally as well as physically. You are what you eat! Check food intolerances. You’ll be shocked at what your body can’t break down that you’ve been eating all your life. It can lead to depression, fatigue, sleep deprivation and anxiety. I found out last year that I was intolerant to wheat, barley, bread, peanuts, peas, brewer’s yeast, cow’s milk… 60% of my diet!
An intolerance is not an allergy. I assumed my bloated stomach and energy levels were due to the quantity of food I ate when it was actually down to the content. I changed my diet and am now less bloated after eating and have more energy to do the things I want or need to do. Good luck, be strong!
WILL STAMMER, FOUNDER OF STAMMER STORIES
Age: 27
Job Title: Senior Operations Executive, Advertising Industry & Founder of Stammer Stories
Lives: Walton on Thames, Surrey
WILL’S STORY
I have stammered for as long as I can remember. For a long time it felt like a curse. People would say, “You will never speak properly” or “It will be harder for you than others.” When you hear that as a child you start to believe it, even when it is not true.
I did not speak my first words until late and I spent years in speech therapy. School was hard, often cruel. I felt like I did not belong anywhere. Sunnydown School changed that. For the first time I felt safe. Later, at the Michael Palin Centre for Stammering, I met people who stammered and realised I was not broken. I was different. That was the moment I started to see my stammer as part of me, not something to hide.
It has not been easy. I have been judged, laughed at, mocked and even told to “f*** off” because of how I speak. And yes, some days I still feel that fear creep in. But I have also discovered resilience, humour and determination I did not know I had.
Now I work in advertising, host a podcast called Stammer Stories and speak openly about stammering. I am not trying to inspire anyone. I am just living my life honestly and proving to myself that struggling does not make you weak, and being different does not make you less than.
What challenges have you faced and overcome?
The hardest challenge has been me. I spent years thinking my stammer made me less, that it made me useless. On top of that there is the way people react. They finish your sentences, joke about your speech, treat you like you are invisible. That stays with you.
But over time I stopped apologising for it. Speaking publicly, starting my podcast, having conversations where I stumble, all of it taught me something simple but huge: my voice matters, even when it shakes. I had to fight for the belief that I am enough, even with my stammer, even with my doubts.
What does being a positive male role model mean to you?
Being a role model is not about being perfect. It is about showing people what it is really like to be human, to struggle, to fear and to keep going anyway.
I want young men to see that vulnerability is strength, that admitting you are scared does not make you weak. If me talking openly about my stammer helps even one person feel a little less alone, then that is enough. It is not about preaching, it is about showing that it is okay to be exactly who you are, even when it is hard.
Who are the men who have had the biggest influence on your life and why?
The men who have shaped me most are a mix of family and people I have met along the way. My dad has always been quietly there, showing me what it means to keep going even when life feels impossible. He never judged me for my stammer. He just believed I could do anything and that belief has stayed with me.
My grandpas taught me in their own quiet ways. One showed me how to push through when life is hard. The other showed me how to find joy in small moments, even when things feel heavy. From them I learned that strength is steady, patient and lived in the little things every day.
Then there are men I have met or admired who have inspired me in ways I cannot put into words. Meeting Ed Balls and seeing him speak openly about his stammer with honesty and humour gave me hope. Gareth Gates has shown me that you can chase your dreams and make your voice matter even if it sounds different.
All of these men taught me that you can be vulnerable and strong at the same time and that being different does not make you less. Role models do not have to be perfect. They just have to keep showing up, even when it is hard.
What advice would you give other men who may be going through a difficult time?
Talk. Even if it feels messy. Even if you do not have the words. Find someone who will listen without judging. Stop beating yourself up for struggling. Struggling does not make you weak.
Try to see your differences as strength. The things that make you feel broken can become the things that make you unshakable. Owning my stammer has changed how I see myself completely. I am not hiding anymore. I am standing tall.
What would you say is the secret to your success?
There is no secret. There is only acceptance and patience. Some days are easy, some days are heavy and exhausting, and that is life. Learning to be kind to myself, to stop wishing I was normal, to stop running from who I am has made all the difference.
I still have bad days, but they do not define me. What defines me is showing up, speaking up, refusing to hide. That is what keeps me going.
I am a very active person so even if it is going for a walk around the block or meeting a friend for a coffee. That can have a really beneficial effect to me and my mental health.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to keep speaking, keep sharing my story, and normalise being different. I want people who stammer or feel like they do not fit in to feel seen and understood.
I want to continue growing at work and doing work that makes a real difference, especially in inclusion and disability. Most of all I want to keep reminding myself and others that struggles do not hold us back. What holds us back is believing they do.
PHILLIP DUNFORD
Age: 49
Job Title: Interior Designer
Lives: Walton On Thames
PHILIP’S STORY
At the age of 17 I had my first panic attack in school while doing my ‘A’ levels followed by years of feeling overwhelmed by heath anxiety, sleeplessness, agoraphobia and claustrophobia. I only achieved one ‘A’ level in CDT. However, I managed to continue in education and manged to get a job as an interior architect. Over the years I managed my condition through avoiding situations and making up excuses during my time at university and early jobs. I hid my condition as best I could through fear of judgement and/or being fired. It was a constant battle, and I felt like I was alone in this battle for many years. There wasn’t so much of an understanding of mental health back then that there is now. It was a difficult time. After one bad job after another I decided I wanted to travel to Australia to push my mental health but in fact I was essentially running away. I had a massive mental breakdown there, considered taking my own life, and it took 3 months and pumped full of antipsychotic medicine to return. I haven’t been abroad since, that was 2008. On returning my agoraphobia was worse than ever and I struggled leaving the house. However, I built myself back up from rock bottom to return to work and have been employed ever since and things were going okay. However, the Pandemic and my Mum’s dementia have lately tested my mental health to the limit once again.
What challenges have you faced and overcome?
In the most part I have had to deal with my struggles on my own and have learned to have to dig deep to find a way through. One thing I am most proud of is managing a successful, although stressful, career at the highest level while managing my anxiety. At times this has felt like an insurmountable challenge, but I have always managed to do it. I never gave up on myself and in tough times have sought out help.
What does being a positive male role model mean to you?
The young men and women of today have the same problems that I had when I was young, crippling anxiety. However, they also face additional challenges that I never had to face like social media, toxic masculinity, global economic hardship and challenges. What being a positive male role model means to me is delivering the tools, through lived in experience, to help young people navigate the challenges.
Who are the men who have had the biggest influence on your life and why?
While my mum suffered from a string of mental health issues that very negatively influenced me, my father was always there. In times where I have been at rock bottom, he has picked me up and pushed me back into education, helped my financially and been a constant all these years. I’d say pretty much all male mental health advocates who have voiced their opinion and volunteered themselves are also a huge influence on me. Chris Waller and the men on the walk he offers have been there constantly for me as I struggle with slowly losing my mum to dementia.
What advice would you give other boys or men who may be going through a difficult time?
I’d say my mental health was roughest on me during my teenage years, early twenties. This is because I had no reference point and did not have a clue what was happening to my mind and body. It was terrifying. This might sound like a cliché, but things do improve, you will feel better and that these feelings are temporary. There wasn’t much help back then, but nowadays there is help available and that mental health issues are normal and acceptable. You may not feel right now that you can see your way out of this, but I’m telling you it can be done because I did it. Just keep going strong.
What would you say is the secret to your mental health success?
I’ve put probably about £15,000 into therapy. Psychiatry, hypnotism, counselling, meditation, read self-help books, you name it I’ve tried it. While I would say that some of these things have helped me, it’s two things that have worked the best. Being as physically fit as possible is one of them. If you can’t afford or train in the gym, train outside, even better. The other is facing your fears and with that one, although difficult there are no two ways about it. Gradual exposure works best.
Why do you think there is a stigma around Men’s mental health and how could we break down barriers?
I was hoping that the stigma in the schools and workplace might have changed since the early 90’s and beyond. From what I’m hearing not much has changed. The perception of mental illness is still weakness, failure and now with so much talk around mental health, faking it to exploit it. Anyone with a real mental health issues wants to get better. They want it gone and there just isn’t enough support to do that free of otherwise. This needs to change.
What are your plans for the future?
I would very much like to support young people going through what I went through. Personally, I would love to work on my fear of travel and have a holiday abroad.
NICHOLAS MARK DULAKE
Age: 35
Job Title: Founder & Creator of Start Again Monday – S.A.M.
Lives: Leatherhead
Nicholas’ Story
I have faced so much trauma over my 35 years of being on this planet. As a child I was sexually and physically abused by my parents, which lead me on to being wrapped up within the care system. Just days before my 16th birthday I was forced to leave my family home, having disclosed to my mother that I was gay. Never to speak to them or any of my “family” again.
In my younger years I moved home more times than I care to count, at times having to either sofa surf, sleep in my car or for a very brief period sleep rough on the streets of London. I’ve experienced the abusive, coercive relationships, been stuck in soul destroying jobs under the evillest of employers and faced numerous other challenges where I honestly thought I’d hit rock bottom.
However, I found a whole new meaning to hitting rock bottom in February 2024, deciding that suicide was the only option I had. However, having died four times and been in an induced coma for five weeks, transferred between three different hospitals over the course of three months, I now live with the life changing consequences of my actions. This being not only mentally but physically, having been fitted with a tracheostomy having paralysed my voice box, which allows me to talk.
What challenges have you faced and overcome?
I can’t say that I’ve overcome the challenges I have faced but more so come to terms with certain situations for me to be able to move forward in life. Everyone deals with life’s obstacles differently but for me personally I find writing has been extremely beneficial. Talking has never been one of my strong points, even before my suicidal attempt. I’ve found a passion for writing and setting up my own blog with the intention of helping others with real if not at times my direct way of writing. Furthermore, I also now have a better understanding of my own boundaries. This meaning I now know when to say no, something of which I didn’t know how to do before. I don’t do things just to please others but because I genuinely want to. I stand up and say what I think (when needing to) instead of keeping everything inside and agreeing with others just to keep the peace for an “easy life.” By prioritising my own needs before that of others, loving myself more and reminding myself that I am only human but also an individual, can I now strive towards living or be it dealing with the challenges once faced or of those still to creep up over time.
What does being a positive male role model mean to you?
In my opinion, being a positive male role model requires traits that cannot be purchased but traits that some are naturally born with or simply learnt while in their adolescent years by their parents. Or for many, like myself, are learnt over time by tackling the various obstacles life has chucked their way. In today’s way of living, I see it very dated and selfish to blame the way in which one responds or sees a situation with negativity due to their own personal life experiences. In my opinion everyone has a choice in how they decide to handle a situation or be it how they decide to respond and move forward from a previous situation that they once faced. It is from that decision in how they respond or act that really dictates, who is or isn’t a positive male influence. For example, if I was to use my past trauma as an excuse for being rude, aggressive or violent then this would just be repetitive behaviour, carrying on a cycle for many others to endure and potentially carry on themselves. However, as individuals everyone has a choice as to how they handle a situation. Learning from previous trauma and being able to break a cycle in how we treat others lays the foundations in creating a role model, be it male or female. Being open minded to the sexual preference of others, race, religion, allowing for freedom of speech or be it an opinion. Remaining open minded to an individual’s sense of style, chosen occupation without assuming their sexuality because of it, taste in music, way of living and right down to the political views of another should be accepted with an open mind and understanding. Being able to still love regardless of the opinion held by others and encouraging self-expression are all attributes to what I consider in being a positive male role model. As individuals, we are all entitled to our own views, views that not all will agree with regardless of the subject but views and opinions that every individual person is allowed to have without the judgement of others. By listening to the opinions of others this may even educate many who have no real understanding having not been educated on matters or exposed to the many differences we, as individuals hold. Giving a different perspective doesn’t mean others should or need to agree with you but more so understand and appreciate without judgement. It is these traits that I feel make a positive male role model.
Who are the men who have had the biggest influence on your lives and why?
There are two male individuals who have played an integral part to my life in one way or another and at various times throughout my adulthood. Both of which I’ve known for a decade plus, both through different circumstances and both of which have many similarities such as being able to adapt to change quite easily, being practical whatever the circumstances, open minded regardless of what is presented and most of all, both with good, honest intentions. The first being a Mr Iain Buchan who was initially my partner for a period of time before coming one of my most valued friends. His straight talking, witty sense of humour and numerous phrases that often ring in my ears don’t touch the sides in describing the strength this man has. From running bars in Soho to going back to school to study, to now being a fully qualified solicitor. His strength and wisdom knowns no bounds. And although he lives in Scotland, I know he would be by my side should I need him in an instant with no questions asked. One of his many quotes he recently reminded me of went as follows “Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday, and all is well.”
The second gent has to be the most charismatic person anyone could ever meet! With a head full of ideas and an ambitious attitude, he simply is one in a million. He is the type of person that doesn’t just tell you a story, but actually embraces you within that story, creating an illusion full of possibilities, leaving you full of excitement and a willingness to make what was just a story, real life! I regard Mr Joe Davey as more of a brother than a friend. Having seen his children grow, having worked for him and quite recently even pumpkin picking together! Regardless of any personal challenges, he’s a fighter! His strength, determination, charm and genuine love goes far and wide having done various favours over the years for many or from simply lending a helping hand to those who needed it, he would be there. My appreciation for Joe goes above and beyond having saved my life 12 years ago, pulling me out of the depths of depression. Presenting me with the love of my life, a pug called Betsy. And for that, ill always be grateful.
What 3 things do you do to stay mentally healthy?
For me personally I find much mental comfort in writing, be that for my blog or just in general. By writing down any thoughts or problems I might have I feel allows my mental state to have much more clarity over situations or just in general. Writing is a fantastic tool to express ones own feelings and is something of which I often encourage others to do. Be it writing just a list of jobs to do, a plan of action, a letter, a poem or even just to rant can really help one’s own mind, especially if you’re like myself and not the best of talkers. In addition to writing, I find that socialising with the right people to be another healthy way to keep a healthy mental mind set. Far too often people are put into situations or feel forced to socialise with others they either don’t particularly like or really don’t want to be around. By setting our own boundaries and being strong enough to either distant ourselves from those we don’t particularly like or to simply turn down an invitation from friends because we either don’t want to go or just simply cannot be bothered isn’t being rude but more so taking care of ourselves.
And lastly, I would have to say that giving up all social media in July of this year has also played a positive role in aiding my mental health. Living in the here and now and communicating with friends more directly and meaningfully, out of genuine interest rather than interacting via a social media platform with the odd like to a post or comment has in my opinion grounded me more and again given me more clarity, rather than seeing irrelevant posts, upsetting news articles / photos or the drama of which others may choose to advertise. This decision did not come lightly for various reasons however one that has really paid off in a number of ways.
What advice would you give other boys/men who may be going through a difficult time?
My advice to any male going through a difficult time would for starters be to write whatever it is they are going through down on paper. Although modern technology allows us to write notes on various electronic devices, there is just something about writing things down the old-fashioned way by using pen and paper. By writing these challenges down by hand we get to not only express in detail what it is we are feeling but are also able to physically write down what’s going on in our minds, rather than tapping away on a keyboard to which in my opinion holds no comparison to that of a pen and paper. It’s only when we can write our thoughts down that we can truly see what it is we are dealing with, freeing up our minds to look on at situations in a different light or be it perspective.
Secondly, I would also suggest eliminating any unnecessary pressures or commitments that are not vital or needed to get through one day to the next. This could be favours in which you’ve been asked to help with or going to social events in which you have no interest in. This could be going to the cinema to see a film with friends with the film not being to your taste or visiting a landmark that you have no interest in, just to name a few examples. DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO! And not because you feel you must because your friends are. This is called self-care and something that should be taken very seriously. Many may tell you to talk, to reach out, to seek medical help but those that are preaching are not in your shoes, facing whatever challenges you might be facing. Many will only ever see one side of you, the side they know. But what goes on in one’s head when alone and behind closed doors could be a totally different side that not many will ever have seen or even know.
Men in general find it hard to talk about their feelings, their thoughts or the challenges they are facing, especially when supporting a family or seen to be such a happy, go lucky type of person. Stepping back and saying no to focus on oneself is not selfish or rude, its self-care. Being forced into talking about potential worries or being told to reach out can come across as extremely patronising and speaking from experience rather belittling. However, please don’t interpretate what I have said to meaning that we as males should not reach out but more so to be mindful as to who it is we reach out to. A problem shared is a problem solved as the saying goes but that does not mean we need to tell everyone we know of our problems. Confiding in one person who is not particularly within your inner circle but someone who is still seen as a loyal and genuine friend can help shed light onto a situation with possible new ideas in how to tackle a challenge you are faced with, while remaining neutral with their opinion. Honesty is key, even if at times it hurts and I for one would much rather an honest opinion that an opinion that is purely based on what another might think I want to hear rather than what I should hear.
What is the secret to your success?
There are many words I could use to describe myself however, in the life I live today success would not be one of choice. BC or better known to close friends as ‘before coma’ success would have been a familiar word used by many when giving me praise or writing up a testimonial relating to the services, I would offer in one of my two equestrian businesses. If anything, one thing I can say with absolute certainty is that there are no secrets as to how I live my life now. If anything, it was keeping secrets that lead me to the path of attempting to follow through with my suicidal attempt. Not opening up, not talking, masking the pain and sorrow I held onto for so long behind a cheesy smile, limp wrists and a forever listening ear! Forever putting the needs of others before my own, putting on an act to please others simply because that was what was expected of me or more so what I felt was expected of me by my clients of whom id literally bend over backwards for, forever doing favours, replying to messages late into the night, over exerting myself to the point of being told I have exhaustion by my GP. Exhaustion in which I naively thought was just an expression and that of which could be fixed by a weekend getaway. How wrong was I!? If there is to be any inkling of success to be mentioned, then I can only refer it to being in connection with those 17 individuals that replied in private to a Facebook status in which I posted while laid in bed in ICU, thanking me for my honesty and for aiding them with their own mental battles faced. Or be it with regards to the money in which I raised in February 2025 by completing 56 miles for the mental health charity, Mind in which I raised over £4000. Or the many in which I responded to with empathy and understanding while being a volunteer for a mental health charity known as SHOUT, where individuals could text in with their problems for free, non-judgemental advice. Or lastly, that of my blog, Start Again Monday, also known as S.A.M. where I have and continue to delve deep into my own story, my thoughts and feelings all laid completely bare and accessible for all to see in the hope that it will show others facing similar thoughts that they are not alone.
So, my success I guess you could say is that of holding no secrets. Being truthful to not only myself but to those around me. Regardless of the cost incurred, one’s own happiness or be it self-worth is priceless.
GLENN COOK
Age: 70
Job Title: Retired Engineer
Lives: Ashtead
Glenn’s Story
In 2020 my wife passed away after a long illness, MS 45 years and Epilepsy 6. I was Michèle’s part time carer for 6 years and full time 1. After Michèle passed I struggled with loneliness, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and no confidence, as this was during COVID there was little available support. I had many sessions of therapy, online and telephone, which didn’t help. Consequently, I went into a downward spiral which led me to the conclusion that I no longer had any reason to continue, I no longer served any purpose, I was a waste of oxygen. I got close several times and remarkably close twice to taking my own life but something would stop me and I would contact Samaritans. Two years ago, my niece recommended We Power On, a men’s walk and talk group on Sundays on Epsom Downs. I deliberated for some time before messaging Chris Waller. I arrived at the meeting point and I could see a couple of guys, I eventually plucked up the courage to introduce myself, for those that know me this was a big deal and was instantly made welcome then two other new guys arrived. Within minutes we were all chatting as if we had known each other for ages and it felt natural. The past two years have seen a significant improvement in my life. By listening to me and letting me share my difficulties without passing judgment, the guys in WPO have given me the courage to face my problems. I now, volunteer at Brooklands Museum, have become a Mental Health First Aider and Counsellor, and have not had to contact Samaritans. At WPO in addition to Sundays, we socialise together, support and encourage one another. I’ve also made some great friends. In conclusion, this group has saved my life.
The main reason for the massive improvement in my wellbeing, it would have to be the men in We Power On. Chris and the rest of the guys in WPO, both the walking and social elements of the group, have given me a renewed self confidence in my personal life and within the group, to that end I’ve become motivated to be more actively involved in WPO and men’s mental health in general.
Now that I’ve discovered my tribe, I no longer feel alone.
