Five for Friday: Mark Williams, Founder of Fathers Reaching Out

Mark Williams, Founder of Fathers Reaching Out, joins us for our first ‘Five for Friday’ Interview. Mark is passionate about raising awareness of the impact postnatal depression can have on fathers. He is a public speaker and author, and was given a Pride of Britain Award in 2012.

1. What is the one cause you wish more people knew about?

Postnatal depression affects thousands of families each year and it can have a massive impact it has on the father. Our message is the quicker help is received, the quicker the recovery.

2. What gets you up in the morning? 

My wife and son as they’re always the first to wake up!

3. What is an inspirational quote that you would like to share with us?

If you are going through hell, keep going. Winston Churchill talking about his depression

4. What has been the proudest achievement in your life so far?

I have been so lucky – winning a number of awards and being able to speak on TV and Radio about postnatal depression. It was incredible when Fathers Reaching Out was shortlisted at the Mind Media Awards in 2012 (our first year). Fathers Reaching Out was self-funded by myself and my wife Michelle as we felt awareness was needed for fathers and families. We have had many emails from fathers from all over the world.  Many fathers have said that just by reading my story they don’t feel alone, like I did in 2004. We have recently added a forum so fathers can be in contact with each other at any time of the day.

5. What is your hope for the next year (personal or professional)?

I hope to continue to grow Fathers Reaching Out. So far I have been running Fathers Reaching Out on a voluntary basis, I would love to be able to work full time on it and help more families through a difficult time.

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