Newark health and safety professional takes on Lands End to John O'Groats walk for Mates in Mind mental health charity
A man is taking on a mammoth walking challenge to help raise awareness of mental health in the construction industry.
Sean Johnson, of Newark, set off on his three-month long journey from Lands End, Cornwall, to John O'Groats, Scotland, yesterday having left his job to take on the challenge.
He is fundraising for Mates in Mind, a charity focussed on ending the stigma construction workers face surrounding mental health.
Sean said: "I have worked in safety for seven or eight years now. I've worked with a lot of companies and heard about the work Mates in Mind do.
"I know the statistics, that 700 construction workers commit suicide each year, which is extremely sad."
Mates in Mind is a charity raising awareness and addressing the stigma of poor mental health.
It aims to help develop positive mental wellbeing within the workplace — in industries including construction and related sectors of transport, logistics and manufacturing.
"I set the target at £2,500 and have got £950 at the moment which is great," Sean added.
"I want to do a few things, one, raise some awareness for the charity — but also get some money in their pockets to help them to continue their work."
Mates in Mind state that suicide rates amongst construction workers are more than three times higher the national average, with more than a third of workers experiencing mental health issues in the last year.
Through training and events, the charity aims to make employers and employees aware of mental health issues, and open workplaces up to conversation about mental health.
You can support Sean's walk at www.justgiving.com/page/sean-johnson-1680803296976, and follow his progress on YouTube at Walking with Seany.
Sean, who left his role in safety to take on the long challenge, said: "I thought this challenge would be a great way to get some fresh air and get back to basics.
"I have been with the company for five years and its been a great challenge, but I felt like it was time to take a break in my career."
He added: "It's great that the idea of talking about your mental health has become more mainstream."