A Northern Ireland man who once battled his own mental health demons, is now on a mission to speak openly about his journey, in the hope that it will help others.
Chris McNaghten, from Larne, is hosting an evening dedicated to open conversation about mental health. The event, in Hillmount House on Friday night, is called 'Inspiring Next Generation' and is free to attend for parents and young people.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Chris, who competed as one of Ireland's strongest men for 12 years, says he found his biggest strength to date when he started talking openly about his battles with depression.
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"I am a retired professional strongman and I want to bring a change about in my town," he said.
"I now travel the world speaking on mental wellness and have been flown from London, to America, by big companies to speak to their staff about the importance of mental wellness. When comes to my local area of Larne, I feel like I can't even get a foot in the door.
"We have decided to hold a open free event for all parents and their kids to come along to on Friday, to listen to my story. They will meet other inspiring people form our gym, including Ethan Anderson, who at the age of 16 started training at Inspire Gym.
"I approached him to see if he would be interested in starting power-lifting with the idea it would help give him focus and help his mental wellness. Within two years he went on to compete in the Commonwealth Games in South Africa. Once leaving school at 18, Ethan wanted take this passion into a career and become a self employed PT.
"Another person that will be in attendance on Friday is Francis McCambridge. He left school at 18 and started working in a job he seen little future or passion in. Two years ago he changed jobs to come work at the gym to pursue a job he had passion and drive for.
"He then went on to launch his business 'Franco Flexes' which has become a massive success and hugely inspiring to local young men. Francis has created such a relationship with many local people transforming their lives in many ways not just physically."
Chris launched and has been working on growing his brand 'Bear Strong' which is focused on mental health and mindset. He says his platform as a strongmen has given him the platform, which is now now using to help others.
"I believe, as an inspirational speaker, and alongside Ethan and Francis, we can be massively inspiring to other young people, and to their parents too.
"It has been 10 years since I founded Inspire Gym and I believe that the gym alone has also helped thousands. Bear Strong is a brand that I am proud of.
Tickets for Friday night's event are free and can be reserved here.
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