To mark Suicide Prevention Day a Thurrock resident has told his story about how he has overcome his struggle and become an inspiration in the borough community

ODAY (Thursday, 8 September) is Suicide Prevention Day and to mark it a Thurrock resident has told his story  – about how he managed to triumph over adversity and, with help, get his life back on track.

Chris Shields is the founder of Turning Corners which is a borough-based community football project that brings together men of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to become part of a community and to talk with like-minded men who have experienced substance misuse, social exclusion, mental health issues, or just love to play football.

Originally from Morecombe in Lancashire, Chris didn’t have an easy upbringing and had issues with alcohol, drugs, gambling and had seen three of his friends die as a result of their addiction issues.

After becoming clean, he set up the project in collaboration with health and care organisations in mid and south Essex to help people who had similar struggles to himself.

Turning Corners has now gone from strength to strength with over 50 people from the ages of 18 upwards meeting at Lakeside Sports Ground every Friday. Chris has also set up a WhatsApp group for the club, during the pandemic, which helps group members who are struggling.

Source: Former addict Chris tells how he turned his life around and now helps others