College Learners Step Up for Mental Health

Preston’s College construction learners took to the city’s streets to walk alongside mental health campaigner Tim Whittle on his trek from John O’Groats to Lands’ End.

Tim, who has delivered a workshops to Construction staff and learners at the College, aims to raise awareness of men’s mental health in the sector and support the Mates in Mind charity. He suffered from mental health problems himself and is on a mission to tackle the stigma and encourage men to talk about the issues they face.

The gruelling challenge sees Tim walk 900 miles using his own two feet and a hiking trailer. He is aiming to finish by his 40th birthday in July and has already raised in excess of £10,000.

Mark Taylor, head of school for construction, explained: “Tim has visited the College on a number of occasions and his talks are very inspirational, opening up discussion around mental health in the sector. It’s a very real issue for the industry and it’s important that we encourage debate with our future leaders as they learn their trade in the sector.

“When our learners heard about Tim’s challenge, they wanted to do something to show our support so we agreed to walk part of the way with him. We’ll be donning our hi-vis vests and pounding the pavement to help raise awareness of mental health.”

You can follow Tim’s journey or donate via his Facebook page, Two Feet One Wheel.