Doncaster podcaster encourages men to speak out about their mental health struggles

Mental Health Awareness Week takes place between May 11 and 17.

Richard Hart sadly lost his wife Jade Hart (aged 33) almost eight years ago after she gave birth to their son Hugo.

“I lost Jade in 2018 and felt extremely alone for years and years,” he told us.

“What I went thought was extremely traumatic and it took me a long time to find a new identity and meaning on this planet.”

Richard, who is from Misterton (near Bawtry) , poured his energy into writing books.

Five children books that centre around bereavement and two adult books.

All of the profit he makes from the books go to the charity bereavement centre in Newark.

As well as his books Ric has launched a podcast called Real With Ric where he shared his entire journey with maternal death.

He said: “I talk deeply and honestly about everything.

“I want others to hear it and know that it is ok to talk, to seek out help.”

Richard wants to encourage others but in particular men from Doncaster to listen to his podcast and get inspired.

“I expressed my issues through writing and speaking them out loud and I think others need to do the same,” he said.

“People need to find a creative way to grow like I did.

“It won’t change over night but it really helped me to re-shape my life.”

Richard says he is a strong advocate for men's mental health and hopes the work he is doing will help to remove some stigma.

He is also spending time helping his son Hugo (aged eight) express his emotions.

Richard said: “He knows he doesn’t have a mum and that is hard but I try to wear all of the hats and I am a really good dad.

“He is creative like me and I think in a couple of years he will be publishing his own book about his emotions.”

The podcast can be found here.