A dad is helping to overcome the stigma around self harm.
Lee Smith, from Haydock, admits he has a "chequered past" and has struggled with mental health issues himself. However, the dad-of-three has since "turned his life around" and now uses his time to help others who struggle with anxiety and self harm, which he claims also helps him with his own mental health.
The 39-year-old claims to have raised close to £10,000 in recent years, holding events and sponsored walks for charities such as Alder Hey, Macmillan Cancer Support, and various mental health charities. He now hosts a weekly group to invite young people for support around their mental health and to help battle the stigma around self harm.
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Lee told the ECHO : "I've had issues myself in the past and struggled with self harm and I thought it would be nice to help other people and give something back.
"I do charity walks from St Helens to Wigan as well, I struggle with my mental health as I have schizophrenia so I like to keep busy. Doing the charity work and the groups really keeps me going."
Lee has three children: Jasmine, Lee, and Maisie. Lee's son has autism which he says inspires a lot of the work he does for autism orientated charities.
Lee's support group is held every Saturday from 11.30am to 12.30pm at Haydock Library.
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