A Hucknall Councillor is set to take part in a charity fire walk this week to raise awareness of mental health issues and to encourage those affected to seek help and support. 

Councillor Lee Waters who represents Hucknall South for the Ashfield Independents on Nottinghamshire County Council, has donated £500 to 'Muted' - the Men's mental health charity, in order to participate. 

The cost of the running of the event, is being covered by money taken from Councillor Waters' County Council Divisional Fund. In addition, the Councillor is being sponsored to take part in the fire walk with all the proceeds going to Muted.

The fire walk is taking place at Hucknall Town Football Club this Thursday (16 June) at 7pm. There is expected to be a large attendance to support all the participants.

Ian Hastings of Muted, said: "We really hope the event will help us to provide support to the local community. We are so grateful to Hucknall Town FC, for hosting the fire walk and also Councillor Waters for his kindness, and to the everyone that is supporting the event, coming to watch and those that have amazingly decided to do the walk.

"The event gets people talking about mental health which is so positive and can help anyone that's struggling to accept they are not on their own and reaching out for help is ok."

Councillor Waters added: "There is a huge crisis in mental health, especially after the Covid pandemic, in particular men are less likely to openly talk about the issue, which is a reason for elevated rates of suicide and substance abuse, as well as lower rates of mental health service use. 

"The team at Muted are a great bunch of people, who at some stage, have struggled with mental health and want to help others that may be experiencing similar struggles. Muted, support those going through hard times to help create awareness and dismiss stigmas."

Anyone who would like help, or knows of someone who does, can contact Muted by sending an email to [email protected] .