In the seventh episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe talks with Mark Sproston, Founder of Project 23. Mark shares his personal journey, dealing with the mental health crisis following his brother's suicide, and the formation of Project 23, an award-winning, self-funding mental health group aimed at preventing suicides and providing support. They discuss the impact of physical fitness on mental health, the challenges of mental health services, and Mark's commitment to creating a safe space for people in distress. Listeners learn about the importance of openness, commitment, and community in tackling mental health issues. The episode concludes with poignant anecdotes, reflecting the significance of genuine support and advocacy.   In Mark’s own words, “Project 23 is an award winning, self-funding mental health group. I founded the group, obviously, because I wanted to try and stop suicide. And that's impossible. But, I didn't realise at the time how big of a problem it was.  It's horrendous, why somebody wants to do that.”   #MentalHealth #Fitness #GM #manchester #community #SocialImpact #NonProfit   Did you know:   ·     Endorphins are the brain's natural pain reliever ·     Endorphins can also release stress and create a feeling of well-being. ·     High levels of endorphins can boost your emotional and overall well-being. ·     Lower levels could mean you're more likely to experience mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, as well as increased pain levels and certain inflammatory diseases.   Key resource: Project 23     Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (01:34) Introduction to the Podcast (02:05) Discovering Manchester and Its Culture (03:21) Mark's Journey into Mental Health Advocacy (14:07) Challenges and Triumphs of Project 23 (21:34) Commitment to Free Services (21:49) The Impact of the Gymnasium (22:43) Addressing Myths and Misconceptions (25:52) Advice for Starting a Community Movement (27:15) Global Outreach and Support (27:25) Personal Motivation and Commitment (29:02) Upcoming Events and Community Engagement (35:11) Heartwarming Stories and Impact (36:52) Suicide Prevention and Community Support (37:56) Final Thoughts and Gratitude   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk