'You are not alone' – Doncaster man gets thousands talking about mental health

“We are not professionals, we are just normal people in the same world experiencing the same kind of issues.”
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Those are the words of 31-year-old builder Lee Thompson from Balby, who has been left “speechless” after a mental health support group he set up online gained thousands of members in less than 24 hours.

Lee decided to create the group when somebody he knew took his own life. Having battled his own demons in the past, he felt compelled to do something to help people in a similar position.

“I thought enough is enough,” Lee said.

Lee Thompson has set up a mental health support group which was joined by thousands within 24 hours of it being set up.Lee Thompson has set up a mental health support group which was joined by thousands within 24 hours of it being set up.
Lee Thompson has set up a mental health support group which was joined by thousands within 24 hours of it being set up.
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“I posted on my own Facebook and thought I should get it going. I’m speechless to be honest. I was just watching the numbers growing.”

Lee estimated there were more than 500 posts on the page, which is called You Are Not Alone, within 24 hours of it being set up. He also received more than 100 private messages in that time.

He said: “There’s been quotes, inspirational messages, other people talking about things they are struggling with.

“My phone has been going mental with people getting in touch. Some people are asking for help, and others for advice for other people. It’s taken off really quick.

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“The good thing is before I get a chance to comment there’s other members jumping straight on posts. Everyone is using it as an outlet to be able to talk to each other. This is what we need.”

Lee is now planning the first of a series of meet-ups in Doncaster for members of the group. And a catering company has offered to provide complimentary refreshments.

“It’s just a chance to give people a reason to get out in the morning,” he said.

“There’s that many people that are realising the situations they’re in, they aren’t the only ones.”

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As of Wednesday, more than 3,500 people from across the country had joined the group.

“I’ve been doing videos and I put my own story on there to explain my own struggles,” Lee said.

“Some parts are difficult to speak about but I can’t expect people to talk about their demons if I can’t be prepared for people to know about me.

“I was using drink and drugs to try and put my feelings away and eventually I was just abusing my own body. I was ruining my own life and brain and shutting people out.”

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In 2019, as Lee’s troubles worsened, he attempted to take his own life.

“It was not my time to go,” he said.

“Someone said to me it just passes your pain on to someone else – that stuck with me. There's other people that need you.”

Lee was also motivated to set up a support network due to the delay’s people often experience when seeking professional help.

He said: “People need help straight away but they are getting put on a waiting list.

“Six to eight weeks time might not be good enough.

“I’m just a normal working person. It’s good to get more lads my age and a bit younger opening up. For men, it’s something they really struggle with.”