A NATIONAL campaigner parked his Bentley at Millets Farm for the day to spark a conversation about mental health.

Michael Turlin tried to end his own life several times in 2009 after dealing with the death of relatives and the breakdown of his marriage.

This weekend, ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, he drove to Millets Farm Centre in Abingdon in his flash Bentley to start a conversation with people about mental health.

After multiple suicide attempts, Mr Turlin, who lives in Hampshire, received a tax rebate and bought his dream car.

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He then realised he could use the attention the pricey vehicle gains to raise awareness around mental health.

Mr Turlin, who works on a building site, is a regular at major national events, using his eye-catching car to get people talking.

The campaigner arrived at Millets Farm over the bank holiday weekend where he spoke to numerous visitors.

One of them, Joe Perkins, shared his thoughts: “I am a chef in commercial kitchens where there can be quite a ‘macho’ attitude.

“You do not tend to talk about mental health, instead you go down the pub for a beer.

“Being off work because of Covid-19 has also added to people’s stress.

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“It is important to express how you feel, to be able to ask friends or colleagues if you need some help, maybe just a quick chat, or perhaps realising you need something more in depth”.

To keep the conversations open, Mr Turlin shares his own struggles and journey, hoping to empower others to speak out about theirs.

He was also joined by Oxfordshire mental health campaigner Richard Barnes who commented: “I saw the value of Mike’s work and was keen to bring him to Oxford to complement the amazing work that goes on in the region.

“Even so, I was astonished by how many people stopped to talk, and the moving stories they shared.

“Of course some just wanted a look at the car, which I also understand.”

Both men handed out leaflets for support organisations to anyone who said they were having mental health problems.

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The two urged people: “If you are struggling with mental health, please talk to someone.

“There are many people out there waiting to listen, who genuinely care.

“It can be hard to seek support, but we cannot emphasise enough how important it is.”

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Both men praised Millets Farm Centre for its support and for hosting them on a busy bank holiday.

Mr Barnes also revealed that his aim through his new project, Mental Health Live, is to start one million conversations globally on mental health.

The next step for Mr Turlin on the other hand is to create a charity around his current campaign.

To find out more about his campaign visit BentleyMentalHealth.com

If you are struggling with mental health, call the Samaritans for free on 116 123.