Best mates Raff and Harry have been there for each other – and now are looking to support others through difficult mental health
Golfing uni mates Harry James and Raff Forsythe(Image: Supplied)
Two Newcastle University students have spoken about the need for young men to be open about their mental health – and about how good mates help massively. Harry James and Raff Forsythe are set to take on 72 holes of golf in just a single day later in May as a challenge in aid of charity MANUP?
The pair have both spoken candidly about their own struggles with anxiety and depression – and said they wanted to ensure others understood that finding university overwhelming was quite natural. Speaking to ChronicleLive, Harry and Raff said they wanted to work to reduce stigma and support others.
History student Harry James, 22, is originally from Bishop’s Stortford, while law student Raff Forsythe, 21, is from Warwickshire. They both spoke of the importance of their own friendship – and of finding an outlet and chatting openly.
On May 26, they’ll be starting their golfing marathon from around 4.45am. They’ve also promised to contribute to the charity themselves, depending on how well they play. They said: “Playing in a better ball format, we will contribute money of our own for every par (£10), birdie (£20) and eagle (£50) we make on the day. On the slight off chance of a hole in one, we will donate £500.”
Harry explained his own story. He said: “For me, I was pretty much fine through school and then did a gap year, but I got to uni and lived in Castle Leazes, it can be very overstimulating there, and just generally in first year, there are constant social events, constantly things to do and it can be a lot.
“And I was struggling. I got to the stage when I was missing lectures. That’s when I spoke to my dad.” Harry explained that his dad had been incredibly supportive, and with family help he started therapy. Raff has done similar, and both spoke of how now, approaching the end of their studies, they were both in much better shape.
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Raff also spoke of the difficulties that come with heading to university. Raff said: “One thing I would say about the first year is that it’s really important to recognise there are highs and lows. You have all of the social events, managing maybe living on your own for the first time, living in a new city, and then all of the work for your degree.
Golfing uni mates Harry James and Raff Forsythe(Image: Supplied)
“It’s all quite a lot – and I remember feeling that everyone else must be dealing with it way better than I was. You can get angry at yourself – and the worse you feel, the less you want to ask for help. I realised I have probably experienced this from a young age, not really knowing it’s what I was experiencing.”
The lads explained that sporting activity – heading to the gym together – and especially playing golf had proved vital. Raff added: “I would say that for both of us, whether we know it or not, we have always found playing golf helps. It helps to have an outlet. You’re outside, exercising. And a lot of the time you’re playing with friends, and you just naturally chat.”
In explaining the GoFundMe page they have set up – they’re looking to raise £5,000 – Harry added: “MANUP? stood out to us immediately because of what it actually does, it doesn’t just tell men to talk. It listens, acts and provides real support that works.
“As two young men who have both experienced the weight of keeping things bottled up, finding a charity that genuinely challenges how society handles men’s mental health felt like the right fit for what we’re trying to do. Raff and I were fortunate enough to be able to access private therapy, and it made a real difference to both of our lives, but we know that isn’t an option for everyone.”
Find the GoFundMe here.
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