Martyn, a 36-year-old with two decades of experience in the construction industry, started his career at the age of 16 through an apprenticeship, eventually specialising as a painter.
Over the last six years, he has worked at various companies, and has now transitioned into management and currently serves as a site supervisor with Novus.
In 2014, Martyn began to recognise that something didn’t feel right with his mental health, and despite seeking medical advice, the root cause of his struggles remained uncertain. Over the years, his mental health deteriorated further, including personal challenges such as the breakdown of his marriage and a reliance on heavy drinking. As his life reached a low point last year, he feared the potential consequences for his job security.
Fortunately, recognising the urgency of his situation, Novus provided Martyn with the connection for Lighthouse Charity to step in and help address his concerns and improve his wellbeing.
Once he had contacted us, he was connected with a compassionate therapist who proved to be a crucial support system. The therapist, having encountered similar stories, conducted a series of counselling sessions to explore the underlying issues affecting his mental health. Having a better understanding of his challenges, he began the journey towards recovery.
With the support of our team, Martyn successfully weaned himself off medication and learned to openly discuss his mental health challenges. This transformation not only benefited himself personally, but also had a positive ripple effect on his professional life. His peers and colleagues on site now feel comfortable approaching him to discuss their own struggles without fear of judgment or shame.
Martyn’s experience highlights the importance of workplace initiatives and support networks in addressing mental health challenges. Novus and Lighthouse Charity collaborated to provide a lifeline for him, enabling him not only to overcome personal struggles but also to become an advocate for mental health within his professional community. This goes to show the power of accessible mental health resources and the positive influence they can have on individuals and their workplaces.
Having made significant improvement, Martyn now feels confident about moving forward independently. While he no longer required the immediate support of our team, he finds comfort in knowing that the door remains open for him to seek help should he need it in the future.
