Mike Owen

Mike Owen lives in the North West of England; he is married, with two grown-up children.

Outside of his work in IT, he enjoys volunteering at his local Church, leading young people through their teenage years through Boys’ Brigade and Youth Clubs. Over the last decade, the youth work has encouraged a number of children with their own individual challenges to feel safe and secure in the Church environment.

Throughout Mike’s life, his health problems have been purely physical, with two congenital heart defects. However, following his battle with psychological issues, his personal exposure to the destructive power of poor mental health has opened up a new view on his vulnerability. This knowledge has helped in supporting friends, colleagues and young people in his care, who are facing similar challenges.

Mike has rescued four dogs, all of which helped him during difficult situations; his latest dog, Coco, came to her forever home just before Mike’s mental illness was exposed and, despite her own mental health issues, Coco was instrumental in Mike’s recovery.