Two years ago on the 30th Sept 2022, Andrew Lewis raised over £3k for Help - Jim’s Story by attempting to run the 96 mile West Highland Way in a day. Having run out of time, he had to withdraw after 70 miles. Andrew had to delay by 24 hrs to let a storm blow through, but was still significantly impeded by torrents of water in the highlands following the previous amber-warning deluge. While the day was became a bit of a blur in Andrew’s recollection, he found the year of training preceding it helped deal with some difficult life events. The physical and mental training benefits are obvious, but Andrew also learned new things about endurance events. He made connections through training, he ‘gave’ by raising money for our charity and really took notice of the things around him, especially out running in the beautiful Scottish countryside. In fact, all of the ‘5 ways to wellbeing’ promoted on the charity’s website. Not completing it has been playing on Andrew’s mind ever since, so he’s decided to have another attempt at it next year and has already started the training. Andrew said “Not completing the West Highland Way in a Day was like an itch I couldn’t quite scratch. I really enjoyed the preparation and training - the mindset needed to take on such a challenge and I know I can do it. During a holiday in Devon this year, I was sitting on the reflection bench installed by the charity at BRNC Dartmouth. With such a wonderful view of the Dart, sitting there reconnected me to the charity and the run - so I thought I would give it another go.” Andrew has now begun his training and he plans to attempt the run in May 2025. We will update on his progress through the training. Good luck Andrew and thank you so much for working with us to raise awareness. #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #HELP #helpjimsstory #selfcare #rnrmc #royalnavy
Help - Jim's Story
Non-profit Organization Management
End the Silence. Start the Conversation.
About us
- Website
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http://www.help-jimsstory.com
External link for Help - Jim's Story
- Industry
- Non-profit Organization Management
- Company size
- 2-10 employees
- Type
- Nonprofit
Updates
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Earlier this month Rebecca and Titch had the privilege of representing HELP at engagement sessions held at Rolls-Royce Raynesway. At the engagement sessions Rebecca and Titch shared Jim’s story alongside discussing mental health awareness. This focussed on understanding mental health, recognising signs and symptoms of poor mental health and discussions on how the language we use can impact the stigma around mental health. As well as this, they also had the honour of opening the reflection bench which has been donated by @help.jims.story. Thank you to all Rolls-Royce colleagues who attended the mental health awareness sessions and thank you to all those involved in creating an inviting area for the bench. @elgriffo_ @titchevans #helpjimsstory #mentalhealthawareness #royalnavy #royalnavyroyalmarinescharity #rnrmc #RN #endthesilencestarttheconversation #endthesilence #starttheconversation #mentalhealthmatters #mentalillness
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Blending into its environment. I don’t often visit RN Training Establishments while on leave, but I did take the opportunity to visit the Reflection Bench at BRNC Dartmouth yesterday while in the area. This was the first bench HELP opened in the most iconic location and has a special meaning. For those who know, the bench is located at the top of cardiac hill … named because of the steep climb from the main gate up the winding road. This year the theme of Mental Health Awareness week is movement. Moving more can increase your energy, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost your self esteem. I felt a sense of achievement when I reached the top of the hill. #help #helpjimsstory #endthesilencestarttheconversation #rnrmc #royalnavy #mentalhealthawareness
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Having received positive feedback in recent weeks, that these benches have initiated in the well being of others, reinforces the importance of this week and the 51 others that make up the year. I am personally proud to be an ambassador of Help - Jim's Story
Nuclear Operations Director at Amentum UK; Submarine Veteran; Ambassador HELP Jim’s Story and RNRMC.
Another stunning location. Alongside the event in HMS Drake,Chris (Titch) Evans also attended the latest Reflection Bench opening in HMNB Devonport as an Ambassador for HELP. The idea of the bench is a simple one. A visual reminder the significance of self care and importance of taking a break to ensure the pressure we face in our lives does not translate into unmanageable stress. An important aspect of mental wellbeing is regular movement and remaining active. Moving more can increase your energy, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost your self esteem. Thank you to Brigadier Tanner and WO Harvey, for your kind invitation to attend the bench opening and your continued work in promoting the importance of mental wellbeing and self care. #help #helpjimsstory #endthesilencestarttheconversation #rnrmc #royalnavy #mentalhealthawareness
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Another Reflection Bench in position in another incredible location. The importance of the message continues ….
Nuclear Operations Director at Amentum UK; Submarine Veteran; Ambassador HELP Jim’s Story and RNRMC.
At the start of Mental Health Awareness Week, HELP attended the latest Reflection Bench opening at HMS Drake. In attendance were veterans of the Dreadnought Association who were in Devonport for their annual reunion. HELP is the affiliated charity of Dreadnought and aims to promote mental health awareness across Armed Forces, their families, our veterans and Industry Partners. The reflection benches, which HELP are donating to multiple defence sites across the UK are inspired by the @netflixuk series After Life. In the programme, @rickygervais character ‘Tony’ often visits the graveyard where his wife is laid to rest following her death from cancer. Tony sits on a bench to reflect; while talking to his wife, he openly contemplates the value of his life. At the graveyard he meets ‘Anne’ who also sits on an adjacent bench visiting her late husband. Despite having nothing in common other than the powerful bond of shared grief, Tony and Anne talk openly about mental health and learn to trust and support each other. The reflection benches are not a memorial bench, but a visual reminder to acknowledge importance of mental health and also a place to take time out from our busy days. They are intended to support us in becoming aware of other people and to have the confidence to start a conversation. Additionally they are somewhere where you can gain information and get support for yourselves and other people in a discreet way through the QR codes which are embedded in the benches. Thank you to Brigadier Tanner and WO Harvey, for your kind invitation to attend the bench opening and your continued work in promoting the importance of mental wellbeing and self care. The location of the bench is incredible. #help #helpjimsstory #endthesilencestarttheconversation #rnrmc #royalnavy #mentalhealthawareness
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Another emotional experience as the latest reflection bench was opened at the home of the submarine service where Capt Jim spent a significant portion of his career
Nuclear Operations Director at Amentum UK; Submarine Veteran; Ambassador HELP Jim’s Story and RNRMC.
This week HELP attended the latest Reflection Bench opening at HMNB Clyde, a place where Jim spent a large portion of his career as an MESM Officer and FOST(SM) sea training officer. The reflection bench was opened by Mrs Claire Simpson and Jim’s son Fraser. The event was also attended by submariner colleagues many of who served with Jim. The reflection benches, which HELP are donating to multiple defence sites across the UK are inspired by the @netflixuk series After Life. In the programme, @rickygervais character ‘Tony’ often visits the graveyard where his wife is laid to rest following her death from cancer. Tony sits on a bench to reflect; while talking to his wife, he openly contemplates the value of his life. At the graveyard he meets ‘Anne’ who also sits on an adjacent bench visiting her late husband. Despite having nothing in common other than the powerful bond of shared grief, Tony and Anne talk openly about mental health and learn to trust and support each other. The reflection benches are not a memorial bench, but a visual reminder to acknowledge importance of mental health and also a place to take time out from our busy days. They are intended to support us in becoming aware of other people and to have the confidence to start a conversation. Additionally they are somewhere where you can gain information and get support for yourselves and other people in a discreet way through the QR codes which are embedded in the benches. Thank you to Capt Boyd and Capt Scott, along with Jim's friends and colleagues in Faslane who went to a great deal of effort to ensure the area was inviting and who supported the opening on the day. #help #helpjimsstory #endthesilencestarttheconversation #rnrmc #royalnavy #mentalhealthawareness
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An exhibition of original artworks, paintings, digital art and photography combined with video and audio inspired by experiences of veterans of our Armed Forces
Nuclear Operations Director at Amentum UK; Submarine Veteran; Ambassador HELP Jim’s Story and RNRMC.
Alongside being an inspirational leader, Capt Jim Simpson was also a talented artist and musician. The Warhead Project have teamed up with Help - Jim's Story to open an art exhibition to the public to explore how visual aesthetics can have a positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing Neuro aesthetics is a recent emerging field of experimental science that looks at how the brain responds to art, considering both the impact of creating and viewing art. Research has proved what art lovers have sensed all along; art can make us feel better, happier, healthier, and smarter. In simple terms, art allows us to communicate. The exhibition will run from the 08-15 Mar 24 in the Submarine Centre, Helensburgh. All are welcome #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #starttheconversation #endthesilence #artforthebrain #artformentalhealth #arttherapy #artforthesoul #rnrmc
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