"I truly believe He Could Still Be Here Today, if he had a service like this"

Those are the exact words that a grieving Mother said to us after losing her beloved son to suicide 2 weeks before Mothers Day, 2025. A person who was her whole life, someone she cared for, loved, looked after - for 26 years. It is her belief that her son could still be here today, if he had access to such an important service like ours.

Our work exists because a 15‑year‑old boy—our founder, Kai Leighton—once believed the world would be better without him. What people didn’t see was the years of trauma he carried, the weight of depression he fought every day, and the silent battle of being undiagnosed autistic while trying to survive school and a world that didn’t understand him.

Kai’s story is heartbreaking—but it’s not rare. It belongs to hundreds of thousands of young men across the UK. Young lads like Zak Bayes (27), Matthew (14), Jamie McKitten (17), and Leighton Rogers (19). Lads who should still be here. Lads who should have had the chance to grow up, to feel safe, to feel understood, to feel hopeful. That is why The Mental Shift exists.

We support young men who feel lost, overwhelmed, misunderstood, or on the edge of giving up. We don’t just talk at them—we walk with them. Our work goes far beyond conversations or gym sessions. We help them reshape their mindset, build healthier habits, find purpose, rediscover confidence, and feel part of something real.

We show them that their story doesn’t have to end in darkness. That their life is worth fighting for. That there is a version of them they haven’t met yet—one that feels proud, strong, supported, and seen.

Through our services, we improve mental health and wellbeing, prevent suicide, and support young men back into education, training, and employment. We offer mentorship, meaningful activities, structure, guidance, and most importantly—hope.

And right now, our work is needed more than ever... not just in Newcastle, but now in Leeds too - because the crisis doesn’t stop at city borders.

To keep going, we need your help. Every pound donated helps change a young man’s life. Every donation helps us reach lads before crisis does.

Every contribution honours the lives of Zak, Jamie, Matthew, and the thousands of young men who lose their battle far too soon.

Your support keeps our doors open.

Your support saves lives.

Your support gives families their sons, brothers, and friends back.

If you can, please donate.

Help us give these lads the future they deserve.

All funds raised will support us in paying for 1:1 mentoring sessions, educational workshops for students and teachers, gym memberships, training equipment, and the development of online resources.

Just £5 could help make a real difference to the lives of young lads across our communities.

This is more than just a service or an organisation. We are a community.