Martin’s story

"I still have bad days, and suffer from frequent migraines and dizzy spells. Having the option to work from home has been a significant help and has noticeably improved my performance and wellbeing."

I became a Mental Health Champion because I wanted to find ways to help other people. I have over forty years at my workplace with a lot of lived experience, particularly as I am gay and have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Looking back, I wish more support had been available to me during challenging times.

There seemed to be little understanding of neurodiversity when I was assessed in 2019.

– Martin

I’ve experienced periods of depression in the past when I have struggled to function and felt hopeless. So, I also realise how important it is to have help and support available, as well as just knowing that people care.

I still have bad days, and suffer from frequent migraines and dizzy spells. Having the option to work from home has been a significant help and has noticeably improved my performance and wellbeing.

Partnering with Mental Health UK (MHUK) in 2023 helped reinvigorate our mental health champion community, enabling us to relaunch following training and introduce regular facilitated sessions. MHUK have also provided webinars on beneficial subjects, such as managing burnout, navigating change and uncertainty. These were aimed at helping colleagues on issues we identified as needing support in our workplace.

This partnership has helped create a culture of greater acceptance of mental health issues, where more people see it as okay to talk and share their experiences.

Personally, I have gained a lot from being a Mental Health Champion. I know that I’m contributing to the greater good, working with wonderful colleagues who I would not know otherwise, and making good use of my skills and knowledge in ways beyond my ‘day job’.

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