Veteran to help others with their mental health
A Sunderland counsellor is on a mission to support armed forces veterans, third sector workers and others struggling with mental health issues.
Former Royal Navy sailor Mark Walsh is one of a dozen social entrepreneurs to join the pioneering project Innovate for Good – the first business incubator in the region dedicated to developing social enterprises.
The project – launched by the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) – provides a six-month programme of training and support to businesspeople with ideas to change the world for the better.
Mark is now working with specialist advisors, a dedicated mentor and other social entrepreneurs to explore how his business, Lighthouse Therapy Group CIC, can reach more people and have a greater impact in the North East.
Mark said: “I joined the Navy at the age of 17 and became very aware of the mental health challenges facing veterans and those in service and always wanted to do something about it. That’s why I trained to become a counsellor and launched my own practice.
“Since then I’ve become aware of the pressures on so many others, including hardworking people who are simply struggling to balance the pressures of modern life and suffering with anxiety and low self-esteem.
“I’m determined to find ways to help people find some peace, to reconnect with the world around them, with each other and themselves.”
Mark has worked closely with the BIC’s Social Enterprise Manager Kevin Marquis to develop his community interest company as an extension of his existing counselling practice Lighthouse Therapy Group.
Mark added: “Innovate for Good has provided me with a network of invaluable contacts and direct access to real-life scenarios that are already leading to inspiring ideas.
“This is an incredibly worthwhile initiative and the timing couldn’t be better for such an effort to bring about positive change in the world.”
Officials at Innovate for Good are planning another phase in the autumn. To register your interest email lilla. preston@ne-bic.co.uk