Gillian Murphy

Said the following about Martin Warley:

“Martin Warley has worked for Network Rail for around 12 years and during this time has undertaken a number of roles. Prior to tihs, Martin was in the Army, operating in highly pressured and clearly dangerous environments. In 2013, a number of issues led to Martin becoming very seriously ill and after a suicide attempt, he found himself off work for six months battling sever depression, psychosis and panic disorder.

Over the course of the last two years, with the support of his family, line manager and support from his local healthcare professionals and charity MIND, Martin has maintained a successful return to work (with a number of reasonable adjustments in place). While this process hasn't been without its challenges at times, he consistently advocates the improtance of creating and maintaining a healthy work/lfe and continues to use his own experience as an example of ignoring the signs and symptoms of mental health and the impact it can have.

Martin has been very candid in sharing his story to promote understanding and has presented to senior leaders on his own personal experience to raise awareness and challenge the stigma often attached to mental health. He can often be seen practicing mindfulness in the office environement which is normalising this and has led to much more supportive and open culture within the office.

As a result of the work Martin does and through raising his profile as part of the Diversity and Inclusion agenda, he is now often approached by other employees needing support and provides a 'safe' and objective opportunity for the to gain advice or ask how to get help. By using his own very personal and painful journey, Martin continues to champion mental health wellbeing and has been instrumental in breaking down the barriers and stigma around mental health and employee wellbeing.“