Kent man who tried to take his own life offers opportunities for those struggling with mental health

KentOnline / KMTV

John Nicholson wanted to stop others going through a similar situation to himself. He found out 85% of people felt excluded from certain activities when they don't have a driving licence.

Transcript

00:00 Nine years ago, John Nicholson from Herne Bay tried to take his own life.

00:05 Now he's dedicated his life to helping young people who are struggling.

00:09 In light of Suicide Prevention Week, John hopes being open about his own experience

00:14 will help others in seeking help.

00:17 That's why I implore everyone, listen for it, look out for it.

00:23 But not everyone who considers suicide will say so.

00:26 John had a troubled past and shared his experience of being a survivor of domestic abuse.

00:32 And six years ago he set up a community driving school, teaching those from marginalised groups.

00:38 After a survey of around 200 people revealed around 85% feel excluded from certain activities

00:46 if they don't have a licence.

00:48 I tried to kill myself in 2014 and I had to change career.

00:53 I did that and I looked at driving instruction.

00:58 I took up with a national franchise and I found out what a driving licence meant to people

01:03 when I was teaching people.

01:05 Driving is more than just a bit of plastic.

01:09 It's a gateway to jobs, it's a gateway to freedom, it's a gateway of escaping.

01:13 But the crux of what we do is that people must volunteer in the community

01:17 to earn their driving lessons so that it's not just given.

01:21 Because if you earn something, you respect it more.

01:24 John has inspired individuals in companies to raise awareness of what mental health resources are available.

01:31 We wanted to reach out to all of our staff because it's really important.

01:36 From a mental health perspective, we have got several people across the firm

01:43 that are likely to be affected by this.

01:45 And so actually if we can do anything for our teams, it's really important.

01:52 For those people around people who think they're not acting right, there's something wrong,

01:57 I say to them, you've got two ears, listen to what, with one ear what they're saying,

02:03 the other one what they're not saying.

02:05 You know those people.

02:07 If your instinct's telling you something is off, talk to them.

02:11 So if you're seeking support, you can get in touch with the Samaritans on 116 123

02:18 or by contacting KCC's Suicide Prevention Team on 0800 107 0160

02:26 or Medway Councils on 0800 783 9111.

02:31 You can also call 999 in an emergency.

02:34 Sophia Akin for KMTV

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