Despite having served in Afghanistan and a career as a search and rescue winchman, the bravest thing Andy Elwood has ever done is admitting his own vulnerability.
Now, Mr Elwood is undertaking a new journey in his own 1973 Land Rover to encourage others to speak out regarding mental health issues.
The project, named Andy’s Landie, has been brought together on the back of a flashback Mr Elwood experienced of a patient trapped in a Land Rover after an IED (improvised explosive device) attack in Afghanistan.
He is now seeking to create a positive experience surrounding his association with the vehicle by aiding others who find themselves at the forefront of care to injured and vulnerable people.
Mr Elwood said: “There is quite a culture in males to suck it up and get on with it, but when stats reveal that three-quarters of suicides in the UK are males something has got to give and we are trying to change that.
“I grew up in a village in Northern Ireland where there was a very high suicide rate and I have known people who have taken their lives so I am desperate to get the word out there that it is okay to talk.
“In 2016 I visited a load of emergency service bases to spread the word that it’s okay to talk about your experiences and how they make you feel and since then it has just grown and grown.
“Not many blokes are open and willing to speak out so by using the vehicle and going on a drive it kind of breaks down those barriers and guys are more willing to open up about what is affecting them.
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“It really just starts the conversation about mental health and just their general wellbeing.”
Mr Elwood recently retired after a 20-year career in the rescue services, working in Shetland and Lossiemouth during his career.
He added: “The vehicle really serves as a metaphor – it needs regular attention and is a bit run down with a few bumps and scars.
“I am really trying to achieve three things.
“One to get people inside the vehicle to establish what is going on. Secondly to allow another perception to open the conversation with people so they know they are not alone, and lastly to start the journey for help for those who might need it.
“Research shows that 75% of those who commit suicide haven’t sought professional help so this is all to help people towards a journey of recovery.
“It doesn’t have to be someone from a professional background such as a GP or a psychiatrist – it really just has to be someone you trust and makes you feel safe.”
Andy’s Landie has already visited Oban, Glencoe, Fort William, Ullapool, Dingwall, Lairg and Elgin, and is heading to Aberdeen today before Mr Elwood’s current tour concludes on Friday.
