A dad who broke down in the job centre has spoken of his recovery and how he wants to help others with their mental health journeys.
Christopher Jervis, 33, has struggled with his mental health since a young age. Having grown up around drug and alcohol misuse, he and his five siblings were placed into care from a young age, being separated from one another.
Being bullied in school, Chris' mum died at the age of 38, when he was 21, and he said things went from bad to worse. With a lack of support around him, he said he did not know how to process his emotions.
READ MORE: Liverpool's Epstein Theatre to close its doors for good
And it wasn't until last year that he said he had a "full breakdown". He told the ECHO that despite his suicidal thoughts, he found solace outdoors and it was nature that saved his life.
Bravely sharing his journey Chris, from Fazakerley, said: "I couldn't accept my childhood and had to learn to deal with my emotions. The things I've seen, no child should go through.
"I've started speaking out about it now so children know they aren't alone. When I was growing up, there was no support, nothing for your mental health and even now, there doesn't seem to be much in terms of mental support for the children."
In the hopes of making a change, Chris will be climbing the highest mountain in 44 European countries, raising £500 for each summit he reaches, aiming to be the first person from Liverpool to do so. All funds raised will be donated to the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital’s Mental Health Unit.
Having already completed several peaks, Chris hopes to raise as much awareness as he can. He added: "I got to a stage in life where I was suicidal, my past trauma hit me and without having that support as a young person, that's what will happen.
"I never had that security blanket, I felt unwanted all the time, there was a lot of emotional stuff. But what saved me was getting out in the mountains, I'm now a qualified mountain guide and I've been taking community groups out and putting on family hikes."
As a cold water therapy coach, Chris will soon be opening an office in Fazakerley Fed to host drop in sessions and he hopes in the near future he can open his own health and well-being centre to help children and young people suffering with their mental health.
The dad-of-two said: "Last year when I was having these suicidal thoughts, I went to the job centre one day and just broke down. They helped me a lot, they changed my life.
"There does need to be more support for kids and I want to help that. I want to open by own centre, teach young people breathing techniques, self defence classes, anything that will help.
"If I can help children and young adults and make them feel less alone. They aren't alone. Speak to someone, holistic therapies, they understand the brain, sometimes better than medicine can, I tried medicine and became numb."
Anyone wishing to donate can do so here. Chris can also be contacted through his social media handles via Northern_Explorer_
His fundraiser adds: "I have seen first-hand that there is now more help for children, but with more funding and support this help can be easier accessed and children will get the help they need, sooner rather than later. I will be providing family friendly walks, to help inner city children take a step back from electronics and social media and into the great outdoors."
READ NEXT:
Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here
Claim your FREE National Trust and RSPB family day pass - we've got 50,000 to give away!
Win a holiday in Mallorca with a 5-night stay at Cook’s Club Calvia Beach
