Blogs

When I was 16, I lived in a rat-infested house with boarded up windows. They called it squatting back then. I was homeless. I had

Why Collaboration is the Key to Transforming Mental Health Support and Preventing Suicides in Wigan and Leigh.

As the founder of EPiC HOPE, I’ve seen firsthand how isolation and stigma around mental health can fuel crises and lead to tragic outcomes. But I’ve also witnessed the incredible power of community action to change lives and save lives. That’s why I firmly believe that collaboration is the key to transforming mental health support and preventing suicides in Wigan.

In our very first interview for our UNSILENCED series, meet John (name changed), who’s not just survived the darkest depths of mental health but emerged to tell the tale in a candid chat with Steph.
In this interview, he lays bare the truth about mental health in the modern world and offers up some hard-earned wisdom for those walking a similar path.
‘UNSILENCED’
Where voices will be heard and lived experience speaks louder than stigma.

We’re excited to announce Unsilenced, an upcoming blog series where we’ll share real stories and interviews from people in our local communities who have faced and overcome mental health challenges. These aren’t just stories of hardship; they’re about finding a way forward and building a fulfilling life afterwards.

This project isn’t about dramatic revelations though. It’s about honest, straightforward sharing that can make a real difference. If you’ve got a story to tell and you’re worried about privacy, we’ve got you covered. You can share your experiences while staying anonymous as we’re happy to use pseudonyms to ensure your comfort and safety.

Paul uncovers the influential role of modern storytelling in creating connections and catalysing change in mental health.

In the world of mental health, storytelling is the thing we often overlook. It’s real talk; people sharing their raw, unfiltered experiences with mental health to cut through the noise and create genuine connections. These stories aren’t just memories. They’re conversations that challenge taboos and build bridges between us.

Hello there, it’s Ellie here. 😊

So, we’ve said ‘See you later’ to 2023 and I don’t know if you had a little time between Christmas and New Year to relax, breathe, and unwind, but I really hope you did. You deserved it! Almost everybody I came across late last year was ready to take some time out over the Christmas season. I suppose it was the perfect time to pause, reflect, and prepare ourselves for 2024, for what it holds, for our new, unknown journey. It’s not just about turning the page on a fresh calendar; sometimes we can choose this time period to turn over a new leaf in our lives, particularly when it comes to our mental health.

The Christmas season, and the lead up to it, while filled with fun, excitement, and joy, can be stressful. The pressure to create the perfect

An EPiC Guide to Understanding and Preventing Suicide Among Teens and Young Adults

Hey there, changemakers!
We’re about to get real. We’re diving into a subject that’s heavy, serious and often swept aside. But silence? That’s not our style. We’re here to shatter the silence surrounding suicide.
In the corridors of our schools and colleges, behind the laughter and chatter, some of our mates, our friends, and other students that we might not know too well, may be fighting a silent battle. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but that’s the reality for many teens and young adults today.
So, what can we do? It’s simple; understand, educate and act. Together, we can be the difference!