'Mum's suicide attempt inspired mental health walk'

A footballer who won an award for his work helping people cope with poor mental health said his mum's attempt to take her own life inspired him to help others.

Bristol Rovers defender Taylor Moore was recently named League One Community Player of the Year by the English Football League for his 5K your way project, which encourages people to walk and talk.

Speaking to Radio Bristol's Joe Sims as part of the BBC's Wake Up Call, Moore encouraged people to look after themselves. He said his mum's struggles "kick-started" his efforts.

"[It was] something that absolutely rocked our family," he said.

"It got really, really bad about two and a half years ago.

"Not only did she go through that, where she attempted to take her own life, but also for us as a family, it affected us because [we were thinking] how can we help someone that is struggling to this point?

"It kick-started it for me to get involved with this project and really try and make sure that people don't go through what we went through a couple of summers ago because it wasn't nice, that's for sure."

Moore runs 5K Your Way alongside Bristol Rovers Community Trust, with 40 people attending the first event.

Moore's advice is to get out and be active, whether that is for yourself or a loved one, and particularly if it is in a group.

"I'd always say make sure you're around people," he said.

"Even if that's just going for a walk with a friend, going for a coffee with a friend, sometimes someone's presence is more than enough.

"Also, I'd say go and try something new. Try a hobby, I don't know, if you've never been paddleboarding, go and try it, go and test yourself, go and put yourself outside of your comfort zone.

"You'll find that you'll have that sense of pride for doing it."

He said he has already seen the project making an impact.

"I had a great conversation with one gentleman, and he said, unfortunately, he'd lost his grandma, with whom he was really, really close," Moore said.

"He said: 'This is the first time I've left my house for something meaningful in six weeks, and now I feel a lot better.' That's so powerful."

As part of the Wake Up Call campaign, Joe Sims will broadcast Friday's Radio Bristol breakfast show live from The Hub in Lockleaze.

An NHS roadshow team will be with him, with the focus this week on heads and mental health.

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