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Hi Reader,

Thanks as always for your feedback, comments, and the quick catch-ups when I bump into you out and about. It’s always good to hear how these updates land with you. Here’s a little of what I’ve been up to:

• I’m off to Berlin soon for Train the Trainer with Blair Singer — excited to learn and share.
• I’m also working on an expert witness case in the Crown Court, North London.
• And I’ve just joined a new organisation supporting mental health in the rail and construction industries.

Here’s what’s inside this month’s edition:

✍️ From the Blog

🧠 What’s Going On With All These Migrants?​
The UK’s migrant crisis is also a mental health emergency — for them and for us.

🌍 Changing the Suicide Story in South Yorkshire​
Why awareness days aren’t enough — and how everyday conversations can save lives.

💼 From Side Hustle to Sustainable Therapy Practice​
Practical steps for turning a part-time passion into a full-time career.

📅 Mental Health First Aid Online Training — 27th–28th ​October​
Two days to deepen your understanding, boost your confidence, and become the person others can turn to in a crisis. Places are limited.

💡 Final Thought

Wherever I am — in court, in companies, or crammed onto a train back from Berlin — the same questions keep coming up:

• How do we actually look after our own mental health?
• How do we really support the people around us?
• And how do we keep going well, not just keep going?

They’re simple questions, but the answers matter more than ever.

Mike

🌍 Resilience at the Edge

Each month, we’ll share stories you won’t see on the front page—but you’ll feel in your bones.

This Month:​
Be honest… how much of your day do you actually control?

You start with a plan. Then the pings, emails, and “quick questions” pile up. You open one tab and — boom — it’s 5pm. No wonder you collapse on the sofa at night with zero energy for the things (or people) that matter.

Here’s the scary truth: the average adult can only stay in deep focus for 20–25 minutes before it starts to slip. And in today’s world, we’re blasted with the equivalent of 174 newspapers’ worth of information every single day. Your brain is constantly on defence.

That’s why I’m trialling Brain.fm — a neuroscience-backed music app that helps you take back the spotlight. In Focus mode, it can lock you in for hours. In Relax or Sleep mode, it helps you switch off and recover. Fast.

💬 Your Challenge:​
If you could win back just ONE extra hour of deep focus tomorrow, what would you do with it?

Tip to Try:​
🎧 Test Brain.fm for free and feel the difference → brain.fm​

Sometimes it’s not more hours you need — it’s more from the hours you already have.

Current articles

🧠 What’s Going On With All These Migrants? This isn’t just about borders and boats — it’s about trauma, fear, and the strain on all our mental health. Ignore it, and the divide only deepens. 🔗 Click the link to read the article ⬇️ Read article

🌍 Changing the Suicide Story in South Yorkshire Suicide rates remain high — but silence isn’t the answer. Real change starts with everyday conversations that could save a life. 🔗 Click the link to read the article ⬇️ Read article ​

💼 From Side Hustle to Sustainable Therapy Practice Burnout gets the headlines — but rust-out, where boredom and lack of purpose slowly erode your drive, can be just as dangerous. Learn how to spot it early and take back your motivation. 🔗 Click the link to read the article ⬇️ Read article

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📅 Date: Monday – Tuesday, 27th – 28th October 2025

🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

💻 Format: Live, Online & Interactive

If you’re a: ✔ HR Manager looking to boost morale and confidence in your team ✔ HR Director dedicated to fostering a mentally healthy workplace ✔ Business owner who truly cares about employee well-being … then this course is for you!

🌟 What learners are saying:

"I thoroughly enjoyed the Mental Health First Aider course! It was not only informative but also empowering. The instructor, Mike’s expertise and engaging teaching style made the content relatable and easy to understand. Their ability to facilitate discussions while ensuring everyone felt comfortable sharing their thoughts was commendable. Thank you for such a transformative experience! Your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed. We deeply appreciate your efforts in delivering high-quality mental health training and the positive impact you’re making."

This feedback exemplifies our core values at MHFA England, and we thank you for being an invaluable part of our community.

📞 Call 01142 670 081 ✉️ Email ​hello@mikelawrence.co.uk​

⏳ Seats are limited. Don’t be the one who walks away.

📚 What I’m Reading, Watching & Listening To 🎧🎬

You know that feeling when a book, podcast, or film completely shifts your perspective? Or when you binge on something so good, you immediately want to tell everyone about it?

Well, this is that space. Whether it’s a mind-blowing book, a documentary I can’t stop talking about, or a podcast that made me rethink everything, here’s what’s been filling my brain (and occasionally distracting me from work).

Curious? Dive in. 👇

💫 That’s a wrap for September.

From the tough conversations about migration and mental health, to shining a light on suicide prevention, and even the resilience it takes to grow a side hustle into a business — I hope something here spoke to you.

Maybe it nudged you to think about how we look after ourselves while supporting others.
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Maybe it reminded you that resilience shows up everywhere — in courtrooms, classrooms, or crossing borders.
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Or maybe it was just the spark you needed to check in with someone today.

Whatever it was — don’t keep it to yourself.
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Hit reply, drop me a message, or share it with someone who might need it.

Until next time, take care of your mind, stay close to your people, and remember:
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Real change starts with one brave step.

With strength and solidarity,
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Mike

Let’s Stay Connected! 🔗💬

💡 Want more insights, updates, and mental health, resilience, and well-being discussions? Let’s connect!

Follow along, comment, or share your thoughts—I’d love to hear from you! 💬🔥

Hi, I’m Mike Lawrence, and I’m dedicated to enhancing mental health and wellbeing. After overcoming significant health challenges, including brain surgery, I’ve committed to a journey of self-improvement and helping others. My adventures range from thrilling skydives for charity to transformative travels in Thailand. I share insights from my experiences and key learnings from impactful audiobooks. Join me in exploring holistic health and wellbeing, and let’s embrace life’s adventures together! Feel free to connect with me through email at hello@mikelawrence.co.uk or LinkedIn. For more detailed insights and stories from Mike, click here to read the latest blogs.

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