I have worked in quarrying and construction industries for over 25 years; I have also trained in Martial Arts and played Rugby for over 30 years.
I have not only seen how male dominated environments have been a key factor in men not being able to open up and ask for help and support, I have experienced it myself and have been in very dark places with my own anxiety and depression.
I was lucky and found Tough Enough To Care when I needed help and support the most and my relationship with TETC and my journey has developed to be able to support others struggling with their mental health and in my small part be able to help remove the “man up” stigma and culture surrounding men’s mental health.

As part of my voluntary role with TETC, I facilitate the Wirksworth peer support group and i also provide support for others outside of the group who can’t make it to our weekly meet ups. I am also the project development lead, which includes making new connections with other organisations and business’ as well as working closely with Stu to develop new and interesting ways to raise awareness, get people talking encourage positive conversations around mental health.

Hi, I’m Stu, the founder, trustee, chief pot washer and senior volunteer nagger for TETC. I started Tough Enough To Care in 2019, following the loss of 2 friends to suicide within 4 days of each other. They were not from the same friendship circle, meaning these were 2 devastating losses with no connection. It was from the pain, sadness and burning desire to understand ‘WHY?’ that I decided something had to be done to prevent anyone else feeling that their only option was to take their own life. I started this journey with no prior mental health training but I have thrown myself headfirst into supporting others and through the amazing care and support received from so many amazing people, I have gained a knowledge and understanding of mental ill health that I feel has given me the tools to help others. I have played rugby my entire life, served in the RAF for 7 years where I completed successful operational tours of Iraq and Afghanistan and since leaving the military have worked in construction and engineering trades, so I have seen how the ‘man up’ culture has sadly driven people to bottling things up and not dealing with their feelings. Now is the time to talk about mental health, in fact, there has never been a better time than right now. Reaching out will be the hardest but most rewarding step you will ever take on your journey to mental well health, whatever you see that as being.