Spotlight Interview- Many Downs Time to Get Up
After being faced with poor mental health and the loss of a friend, Jaylo launched Many Downs Time To Get Up - a suicide prevention service aiming to support those struggling with their mental health. He chats to us about the vision behind Many Downs Time To Get Up as well as the benefits of spending time with animals on your mental health.
Tell us about your business and why it started?
This is a project set up to provide sign-posting support for those individuals within the community that need help, advice and support around mental health issues.
It began 8 years ago due to the founder, Jaylo, who was faced with the most horrendous side of poor mental health. At the time, he felt like he couldn't reach out and speak to others about how he was feeling. He felt broken and lost, and when he tried to seek help, he realised there was very limited help or resources available. During this dark time, he also lost a close friend to suicide. He began wondering how many other people out there felt this same way. Therefore, ‘Many Downs Time To Get Up’ was born, a suicide prevention service aiming to support those struggling with their mental health.
Who is this project for?
● Anyone struggling with their mental health
● For families who are supporting loved ones who are struggling with their mental health
● We have worked closely with many community groups including veterans, care leavers, the homeless sector, the education sector and young adults with Autism.
What is your vision?
For us, to use our own lived experiences to make a positive impact within the community.
We aim to be a beacon of hope, to change the current system and be a voice for many others worldwide. We aim to educate others about mental health and to help lower the statistics of suicide as we share our powerful message of #standbyme.
We are accompanied by the most beautiful and famous barn owl in the whole of South Wales (who is Jaylo's personal support animal and had been key to sharing his journey).
What ways do you support individuals and Families?
● Walk & Talk and teaching within schools and nurseries with Lou (the owl).
● Supporting South Wales police with searches and welfare checks.
● Having a presence and providing resources for Christmas events
● We have a chat room that 100% discreet and someone is on call 365 day a year
● Providing essential resources for the homeless sector
● Provide guidance and advice for community groups
What are you excited for in 2025? Will you be bringing any new projects to life?
This is the hardest question yet, and it is difficult to say one thing. It’s been an incredible year so far and I’ve met so many amazing people. We have been recognised and are a finalist in the upcoming Cardiff Awards and this is more than I could have ever dreamed of. What we can do for others excites me and how we can continue making a difference in people’s lives.
What are the benefits of spending time with animals towards your mental health?
● They can boost your mood, for example, the connection I have with my Louie lou is a lot more than just a bond. He reads my emotions and gives me purpose, strength, love and affection.
● Animals can be the best company, true companions and the greatest comfort - I know when I speak to Louie, he's listening non judgementally and will not tell anyone else.
How can people access your services and how can others get involved?
People can find us on Facebook - ‘Many Downs Time To Get Up’
Our Facebook group has two groups attached to it as well ( #standbyme - a chat room where people can talk and share info and we also have a Walk & Talk group as well)
We are accessible at all times to help, assist and provide signposting where we can!
What is your mental health manifesto?
I believe that mental health services should be accessible to all due to far too many young people and their families are missing out on vital support. Suicide is not an answer!
We need to move the stigma that exists and is attached to mental health The Mental Health Act should stay as an Act and stop being used as a conviction - mental health illnesses are not choices. The sooner we tackle this, the more lives we can save!