MATTY ENGLISH OPENS UP ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

Matty English recently spoke about mental health struggles with apprenticeship students from Kirklees College. 

Fiona Gray, who mentors the apprentices at Kirklees College Engineering Centre, invited Matty to talk to the students after learning about his story and his own struggles following the death of close friend and team mate Ronan Costello.

With suicide being the biggest killer of men under 40, initiatives like this to improve young men’s mental health are essential.

Fiona Gray, Kirklees College said 

“Listening to Matty sharing his story with so much sincerity, and watching the emotion on his face as he opened up about the most difficult period in his life was so powerful. I hope Matty realises the massive impact he had on everyone listening to him today including the members of staff. It was clear that Matty’s story definitely resonated with our apprentices today. Our staff noticed the emotional impact on their faces, as they listened to Matty open up about his mental health journey. It was fantastic to have a young positive role model challenging the negative stigma, and encouraging them it is okay to talk about their mental health. He has led by example today.”

Matty English said 

“It’s been a pleasure to come here today to talk about such an important subject. We all face struggles in life and go through dark periods, if you notice someone’s struggling just ask if they’re ok. If through events like this we can raise awareness, and help people understand that it’s ok to need help from time to time, then I will have achieved my objective. No matter who are you, you are never alone, just take that first step and ask for help.”