In recognition of World Mental Health Day, we welcomed motivational speaker Jamie McAnsh to our latest Knowledge Café, where he shared his inspiring journey of overcoming adversity and the lessons, he’s learned about mental health and resilience.

From the age of seven Jamie had a clear goal in life: to climb Mount Everest. That dream became a driving force throughout his life and something he continually returned to during his most challenging moments.

One of Jamie’s key messages was the importance of keeping our dreams visible and at the forefront of our minds.

“We don’t write our dreams enough. Put them on the wall. Remind yourself what you’re working towards.”

In January 2014, Jamie’s life changed dramatically. After suffering a seizure in his sleep, he woke up paralysed. The sudden loss of his independence had a profound impact on his wellbeing. Jamie spoke openly about how he felt his identity had been stripped away and how his mental health rapidly declined as he struggled with anxiety, depression and feelings of being a burden to those around him.

The Power of a Simple Conversation

A recurring theme throughout Jamie’s talk was the importance of conversation, support, culture and networks when it comes to protecting mental health.

He described a pivotal moment when someone simply asked him: “Are you okay?” For Jamie, those three words were life-changing, explaining how talking honestly about what he was experiencing brought a huge sense of relief and lifted some of the pressure he had been carrying alone.

His message was clear: creating environments where people feel safe to talk can make a significant difference.

Finding Confidence Through Connection

Just six weeks after reaching a low point in his mental health journey, Jamie took his first steps towards rebuilding his confidence by joining a wheelchair basketball team. While sport helped him physically, it was the sense of belonging that had the greatest impact. Jamie explained that being surrounded by people who understood his experiences gave him a support network and renewed sense of purpose. “Your network is your first line of defence.”

He encouraged everyone to invest time in getting to know each other, building relationships and fostering open communication, both at work and in their personal lives.

Living with CRPS

Jamie was later diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) of the spine. Today, his purpose is to help others better understand disability, chronic pain and mental health, while encouraging people to embrace who they are and feel confident in their own skin.

Determined not to let his circumstances define him, Jamie made 2015 a year of challenges. As part of “Challenge 2015”, he raised a quarter of a million pounds for charity and pushed himself far beyond his comfort zone. He got back on a motorbike, threw himself out of an aeroplane and continually sought opportunities to prove that adversity did not have to limit what was possible. His experiences serve as a powerful reminder that resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges, it’s about finding the courage to face them.

Never lose sight of goals you set yourself

Despite the challenges he faced, Jamie never lost sight of the lifelong goal he set himself at just seven years old: to climb Mount Everest.

That ambition became his driving force through some of the most difficult periods of his life. In 2022, he achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the first paralysed person to reach Everest Base Camp. Since then, he has continued to push boundaries, going on to achieve two additional world records. His story is a powerful reminder that while circumstances may change, our goals and aspirations can continue to provide purpose, motivation and direction.

Before closing the session, Jamie shared three powerful messages that have helped shape his own journey:

“Availability is not a skill. We have to choose the right people to make our lives easier.”

Jamie highlighted the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who genuinely support, challenge and encourage us.

“Through failure is where you succeed.”

He encouraged colleagues to see setbacks not as the end of the road, but as opportunities to learn, grow and improve, “When you fall, get back up.”

A simple but powerful reminder that resilience is not about avoiding difficulties, but about finding the strength to keep moving forward when life doesn’t go to plan.

Jamie’s story resonated with colleagues across Orwell, with many reflecting on the impact his experiences and insights had on them.

“Jamie certainly captivated my attention and made me think about a few things.”

“‘Inspiring’ doesn’t quite cut it, but I’m failing to come up with an alternative word that does. I shall think of you next time I try to use that ‘can’t’ word.”

“Jamie’s story really helps bring perspective to perceived challenges in everyday life.”

These reflections highlight the lasting impact of Jamie’s message and the importance of taking time to talk openly about mental health, resilience and supporting one another.

At Orwell, we’re committed to giving people the opportunity to share their experiences so we can continue raising awareness among our colleagues and the communities we serve.

For more information about our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, please visit: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Orwell | Orwell Housing