“Men feel like they not allowed to show their feelings"

Saturday 03 August 2019

Friends of a "charming and funny" 23-year-old, who recently lost his battle with mental health, have organised a fundraising memorial walk to encourage men to get talking about their wellbeing.

Organised by Sophie (22) and Jessica (25), the Lloyd Goddard Memorial Walk will take place at 11:00 on 11 August, from La Frégate Café to St.Aubin, to raise funds for Mind Jersey.

“Our friend Lloyd was sadly taken from us too soon after a battle with his mental health,” they said.

Pictured: From left, Lloyd, Sophie and Jessica.

Sophie met Lloyd in one of her classes at Highlands College, while Jess knew him through friends of friends. Both remember him as a joyful young man.  

“He was charming and funny,” Jessica told Express. “He had various groups of friends, like boys-boys and then lots of girl friends. He was funny and always had a smile on his face. He would never walk down the street being unhappy, he was always talking to lots of different people.

“Other people would always join him on night outs. He would just talk to anyone.”

Pictured: The walk will start at at 11:00 from La Frégate.

The two girls approached Mind to organise the walk and hope it will not only raise funds for the charity but also encourage more people - especially young men like Lloyd - to seek help.

“Men feel like they not allowed to show their feelings,” Jessica said. “There are more and more men struggling and they feel if they speak out, they will get called names.” 

They settled on the idea of a walk as they wanted “something active that would keep the mind busy.” 

“People will also be able to socialise with friends, which is all positive things for your mental health,” Sophie said.

Pictured: Jess and Sophie organised the walk and got in touch with Mind Jersey.

Sophie and Jessica started a Mind Jersey JustGiving page, which has already raised just over £500. They are hoping to raise more money on the day of the walk, when people will be able to sign up for the walk - £10 per adults, £5 per child.

“Everyone is welcome to join,” the girls said.

James Le Feuvre, Executive Director of Mind Jersey, said the charity was “very touched that Sophie and Jessica organised this event on our behalf.”

“They have worked hard to make all the arrangements and we hope to see as many people as possible on the day.” 

Pictured: Mr Le Feuvre says walking is a gentle way to get people to talk.

Mr Le Feuvre hopes the walk will encourage men, and young men in particular, to speak out. “Getting outside in the fresh air, doing stuff together, it’s a gentle way to reach out people who might not thought of talking,” he explained.

“It’s important to do things together. The problem is that sometimes people do not feel they are able to speak out and it stops them from seeing their GPs. But if people seek help as soon as possible, it gives a chance to nip things in the bud as we say, rather than stewing things at home.” 

Mind offers programme for young people to support those struggling at an early stage and make a difference. They recently organised a conference on healthy minds as well as a sporting event at the Watersplash to get boys to talk.  

“We are very grateful for any help we can receive,” Mr Le Feuvre. “I was very impressed by Sophie and Jess as they organised everything themselves and obtained the relevant permissions. They are really good kids.” 

If you or anyone you know is struggling with their mental health, you can contact the Samaritans Jersey on 116 123 or Mind Jersey on 0800 7359404, who also run apeer support group run by islanders with "lived experiences" of suicide.