A BUSINESSMAN wants to provide help around mental health by using his own experiences to produce a new school programme.

Russell Stilwell from Billericay, founder and managing director of Basildon based RSE Group and a father of two is determined to change the stigma and lack of support for people with mental health issues in the construction industry.

He is developing an education programme, called Constructionwise, for schools which will focus on mental health issues and how they arise and are dealt with in the construction industry.

Russell suffered a mental break down in 2010 and wants to use his experience to help others.

Speaking of his experience, Russell said: “I suffered a mental break down in 2010 and went to The Priory and had cognitive therapy and treatment to get through the issues and get better.

“We need more support in the construction industry to remove the stigma around mental health issues.

“We need work to be done in the industry around mental health issues. We’ve got a programme together for schools about enrichment and it will work with schools in our area to teach children about the industry, mental health awareness and career advice.

“Back in 2009, the business was growing so much and there was a lot of pressure on me with the growth and the recession.

“Then a close friend of mine died, this was followed by the death of my father.

“All the pressure and stress of this at the same time caused me to have a mental break down.

“I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and was put on antidepressant medication.

“I went to The Priory in 2011 and was a day patient and visiting outpatient.

“I was under the care of The Priory for about 18 months.

“The help they offered me was all about looking into why I was feeling and thinking the way I was.

“My recovery took time and it was a gradual change and I worked on being not so hard on myself. It was about retraining the brain.”

He said he understands the devastating impact poor mental health can have on the younger generation.

He said he is determined to instigate change, and having battled ill mental health he has become a Mental Health First Aid Instructor with MHFA England after undergoing six weeks of training.

The new school course, Constructionwise, will focus on changing perceptions of the construction industry and aims to have a positive impact on skills shortages and mental wellbeing for future generations.

He said it has the backing of councillors and MPs.

Mr Stilwell said he could not currently disclose which schools will take part in the scheme but expects it will include schools in and around Basildon.

He also said he could not disclose the cost of the education programme.

He said: “We want to make young people aware it’s okay to talk about how you are feeling when dealing with challenges and issues regarding mental health.”