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Building community and connection this Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

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This week marks Mental Health Awareness Week, and at HUC, it presents an important opportunity to reflect on how we prioritise and support the wellbeing of our colleagues. Mental health matters every day, but this week gives us a focused moment to come together, raise awareness, and continue building a supportive and connected workplace.

Today, we spotlight two of our colleagues, Allan Fakeye and Kevin Lowe, both Operational Delivery Managers (ODM), are also trained Mental Health First Aiders and De-briefers. They offer essential peer support to colleagues, providing a safe space and a listening ear when it’s needed most.

Alan Fakeye

Allan, who has been with HUC since July 2012, shared some of his personal journey that led him to this role. “My first year as a Health Advisor was really tough mentally. Speaking with callers dealing with their mental health problems took a toll on me. I experienced a very dark period in my life for about six months, but I am thankful I was able to come through it. That experience was a wake-up call, and it led me to take on a leading role in HUC’s debriefing team.”

Speaking about what the role means to him personally, Allan says ” I always encourage colleagues to be open about how they’re feeling and to speak to someone, ideally a trained Mental Health First Aider or Debriefer. Just talking can make a real difference.”

Today, Allan says he is in a much better place. “My mental health has been really good for a long time now. And if anything ever changed, I wouldn’t hesitate to seek help immediately,” he states.

Kevin is also one of our ODM’s based in Taunton and has been with HUC since 2022. Kevin has been a Mental Health First Aider for two years and a Debriefer for the past 14 months.

“The role of a Health Advisor can sometimes be mentally draining and emotionally tough. Being able to support and guide people through that, to make sure they feel welcomed and cared for, is something that truly motivates me,” Kevin shares.

Kevin Lowe

Kevin believes in the power of talking and reaching out for support. “Don’t let your mental health be a journey you walk alone. It really does help to talk, whether it’s with friends, family, or a professional. Even the smallest step forward can make a huge difference in starting your mental health journey,” he says.

When it comes to looking after his own wellbeing, Kevin turns to the calming effect of nature, “I look after my mental health by being outdoors. Whether it’s walking in the countryside or standing on a beach listening to the waves, it gives me space to breathe, reflect, and let go for a little while,” he concludes.