Light On

29/04/2024

On Thursday (2nd May), we will be voting for Marianne Storey for Dorset PCC ⭐

Her Priorities:
Higher Police Visibility
Safety for Women & Girls
Supporting Young People away from Crime.

Working with Marianne across many of her roles, we've seen her ability to make change happen.

So pleased join me on Thursday to vote for

12/12/2023

🎯Please help me fundraise🙏

Next year, I will be running the London Marathon to raise awareness and funds for the Mental Health Foundation

Mental ill-health is no stranger to me, having lost three friends to su***de, managing periods of my own mental ill-health and supporting people going through theirs; it has become ever-present in my life.

But never more so than six years ago when I badly injured my back: I was told I would never be able to run or do physical sports again, something that took me to a very dark place.

After two years of rehab, I managed to complete my first 5km Parkrun, and two years after that, slowly, my first half marathon! Now probably more out of madness than sense, it's time to try the big one!

My story is just one, these statistics all have stories: 125 men a WEEK losing their lives to su***de, the largest killer of men under the age of 45.

Please help me fund a change; and if you fancy joining me in a run, I'd love the company 🤗

Click the Link to Donate:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/andy-coleman-mhf?utm_term=7Px9Jk6rX

10/08/2023

Thoughts on men's mental health 💡

Though it may seem like laziness or a lack of engagement, mental ill health, and tiredness go hand in hand. Our brains are powerful and when they are constantly going it can be exhausting.

Couple this with the thought of just hiding away from your problems, a bed sounds like a pretty awesome place.

07/08/2023

We often get asked if women can support the campaign. 100% YES!!

We all have people in our lives who need us and our support. Our ambition is to grow knowledge, spark debate and break down the walls of stigma and we need everyone we can to help do this.

If you support us, like this post, share it, and grow our community.

03/08/2023

Thoughts on men's mental health 💡

Being in environments where interaction is limited allows the busy mind to calm down. Imagine trying to do mental mathematics while being asked to juggle; we only have so much capacity to think.

So if you know someone that's isolating more or looking for quieter moments in the day, it might be that their brain is working overdrive from stress, anxiety, or depression.

Let them know you are there to listen if they want to externalise their thoughts.

31/07/2023

When was the last time you reached out to a friend or family member to check if they are ok?

Don't underestimate the power of a quick message, just knowing someone is thinking of you is a huge boost to our health.

Try it now, send a message to someone you haven't spoken to in a while. 🙏

27/07/2023

Thoughts on men's mental health 💡

Being silent might not be what you think when it comes to a man's mental health. Traditional values of strong and silent have been ingrained into generations, and at points of stress, we all revert to our base learnings.

Meeting this reaction with frustration will likely not result in a man opening up, even leading to a display of strength to protect their silence.

Let them know you're here to listen and not judge. Give the silence space.

By simply talking with one another, men can improve their
mental health. But it helps to give permission to do this,
gives men this permission.

24/07/2023

This is our call! Getting talking about our health.

In our communities, clubs, and businesses; the statistics don't lie, so what's wrong with getting conversations going.

A Light On we believe in creating a new normal, where talking and listening about our health is seen as a strength.

So please join us!

20/07/2023

Thoughts on men's mental health 💡

Sometimes we need to look past the actions to understand the mindset.

Being alone can feel like it helps with anxiety, shame, and pressure, but feeling alone is very different.

If you know someone that is isolated, reach out to them, it might just be the very thing they want.

17/07/2023

Sometimes when people say they're fine or ok, they really don't mean it. It's not always easy to share how you're really feeling, but by being a friend, and letting them know you are open to listening you can really help someone open up.

Don't underestimate asking twice.

14/07/2023

Sometimes it's our own mind holding us back. Wanting to get out of an unhealthy routine or change the way you lead your life; then start with how your mind it going to process the change.

It's not always easy, but that will pass, focus on what you want.

13/07/2023

Wondering how you can support someone close to you??

The easiest way is to tell them you are there to listen!
It might seem weird, but showing your strength and speaking up can help someone reach out and talk.

Go for a walk, grab a coffee, or do an activity, there really isn't a right or wrong way, just let them know you are there.