As far back as I can remember, I have always enjoyed meeting new people: finding out about what they like, dislike, what motivates them and how they cope with challenges and also opportunities. I find it fascinating that we can pass maybe 20 people on a street and assume that they are all ticking along nicely, nothing to report. And yet, one may be terminally ill, another suicidal, one coping with bereavement and another celebrating a big promotion.

Having had battles with my own issues around claustrophobia in the past, and still to this day to a certain extent, I am keen to help people with mental health issues where I can. I have some basic skills, no degree in psychology or formal qualification, but an interest and ability to listen.

Previously, I ran a drop in centre for socially isolated people in association with Camerados charity - a safe and friendly environment for anyone to drop in for coffee and cake and, from that, acted informally as a mental health buddy for some of my regulars.

I believe that the world could be a much better place if we could take the time, maybe just once a day, to actively say something nice to one other person - how rare it is for someone to pay you a compliment! And yet it costs us nothing!