The Hartlepool charity which is combating mental health lockdown issues - by appointing two health experts

Minds For Men and Wellness For Women has taken on Ian Glass and Liam Lewis as health and fitness ambassadors to help people across the town, especially during the pandemic.

They hope to help Hartlepool become a fitter town.

Minds For Men and Wellness For Women is the latest development from the Miles for Men team. It all started in 2012 when founder Micky Day wanted to do something in memory of his father and suggested a sponsored run for men. ​

Since then, Minds For Men and Wellness For Women has itself grown into a success and Micky said: “We welcome two of the biggest names in the sports industry in Hartlepool.

"We have all had a tough year and mental health issues has increased massively. This year alone, suicide rates have gone up 40 percent which is so sad.

"By bringing Ian and Liam on board, I am sure we will be able to help a lot more poeple as these two gents are both positive strong minds , and a credit to Hartlepool too, not just in there industry but in the positivity they bring as well as knowledge. It is priceless.”

Minds For Men was launched earlier this year to support people in all their mental health needs.

The Annexe is one of the groups already working alongside Minds For Men and Wellness For Women. Also on board is the mental health support group Stags.

Its launch event was a midnight walk in August which was held with the message that the group was ‘the light in someone else’s darkness’.

The latest move will see two fitness ambassadors helping to promote fitness and mental health.

Ian Glass has been in the fitness industry for 20 years and has a gym in the town.

He said: “

Ian Glass said: "I have worked in health and fitness for 20 years and mental health plays a massive role. 99pc of people who come here do so for the mental health as well as the physical health.

"I have dealt with people from all walks of life. I want to do whatever I can to help people and we shall come up with ventures moving forward.

"These few months have been hard. We shall come up with ways of helping people move forward."

Earlier this year, firefighter Liam Lewis helped Miles For Men when he raised more than £7,500 by completing a 19-mile run weighed down by his full kit.

He was inspired by Captain Tom Moore’s fantastic fundraising for the NHS and set the course at 19 miles to recognise the Covid-19 emergency

He said: “I have a degree in sports science. I have covered various sectors in fitness industry and creating these links with the mental health side is our main objective.

"It is building on from that relationship with Minds for Men and using my knowledge and background of personal training and fully supports bringing opportunities to town.

"With the lockdown, the opportunities to go out training, get in the gym and exercise in the winter, times are hard.

"This is an opportunity to bring about a chance to get people physically active."

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.