A new charity aimed at providing mental health support to men working in protective services is hosting a series of regular walks in Mansfield to help build mental fitness through walking, connection and peer support.

The Good Soldier provides support for paramedics, prison officers, veterans, firemen and police officers struggling to cope with the often mentally draining demands of their jobs.

The charity was set up by husband and wife duo Matt and Debbie Skates who know only too well the mental toll it can take working in the industry.

Prison officer Matt who has also serve in the army decided to set up the charity after struggling to cope with PTSD after being one of the first on the scene of a murder at Nottingham prison.

Matt Skates co-founder of The Good Solider is an army veteran and prison officer and is on a mission to help men in protective services with their mental health

placeholder image — Matt Skates co-founder of The Good Solider is an army veteran and prison officer and is on a mission to help men in protective services with their mental health

Matt, aged 37 said: “We decided to start the charity when I realised that there is not much, if any, support for prison officers.

"I was involved in some pretty traumatic events and was really struggling with getting through the days and because I am a good soldier I kept showing up doing my job, crying before and after work in secret until one of the guys noticed me and made me get some help. I was at a really low point and I do not want others to feel like this so if we can help some then it will be worth using what little spare time we have to help them.”

Over the past two years, through walking, journalling, counselling, meditation and learning to understand his own mind Matt has become mentally stronger and healthier and is now keen to share these coping tools with others.

The Good Soldier offers one-to-one and group walks with Matt in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire and the Chesterfield area.

Through the new charity Good Soldier men working in protective services can enjoy some fresh air and a forum to talk about their struggles

As part of the process participants keep a mental fitness journal and also learn powerful coping tools such as breathing techniques, yoga.

For those who don’t feel ready to venture out on a walk the charity also has social media pages with help and advice.

Matt said: “Feedback on the whole has been really positive; a lot of staff do not want to admit to wanting a chat in front of their mates in the fear of looking weak. But on a walk in the fresh air away from people, they feel like they can unload some of the thoughts they have. I have had multiple texts and conversations saying that they didn't realise that they needed it or that they were grateful we went out for the walk.”

Debbie added: “Everyone so far who has booked onto a walk with Matt has rebooked and we’ve had messages from people saying how much lighter they felt afterwards.

"It sounds so simple but sometimes just talking to someone who has been through a similar experience or who deals with the day to day demands of the same job can make such a big difference.”

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