Bern’s Story
For over 35 years, I have been an integral part of helping train, develop and build confidence in thousands of individuals across the Merseyside region in the fitness, martial arts and health industries. The vision I always had was to build confidence, independence and structure to people’s lives to show that anything can be accomplished with a strong mindset.
My lengthy career in martial arts has been the reason that many, initially, wanted to work with me. I have realised that an individual's mental health and mental well being correlates with the physical aspects of ‘training’ . I have taught individuals from the Great British kickboxing team, ex army officers who have lost their sight in combat to individuals who have been physically limited from disabilities. I have had the privilege of helping these clients push themselves and achieve unbelievable goals that have empowered them. Many of my clients and coaches who I have nurtured, have gone on to run successful businesses and some have developed boxing careers after discovering a new confidence in themselves that was unknown to them prior to training. This makes me so proud knowing I have contributed to their journey of self improvement.
Like everyone in life, we all have to learn from our individual mistakes and I, myself, made an error in judgement which unfortunately led to a prison sentence of 9 months. I'm responsible for my actions and admit my mistake with my naivety of procedures concerning finances.
The year of 2021 was full of personal struggles. I had an impending custodial sentence, after being charged with a past financial error. Multiple businesses I worked with collapsed due to the effects of Covid. I know there are many people and business owners who can relate to the struggles that the uncontrollable restrictions placed on us. Lastly but by no means least, the most upsetting circumstance occurred with the passing of my beloved mum, after a very short diagnosis. My coping mechanism was to concentrate on my small family. I made it a priority to keep going for the sake of my newborn baby who was born in May 2021, right bang in the middle of the crisis I was going through.
I began serving my time in September 2021, when my son was 4 months old. This impacted not only him but I was full of worry for my fiance as I left her alone with the baby a first time mother.
I was sentenced to 9 months in a Category C Establishment. I wholly admit that I made a mistake and with that acceptance, I chose to tackle the punishment head on. I wanted to turn the negative into a positive, as best as I could. The time away gave me the opportunity to re-evaluate what was important and the resounding answer was always my family and supporting friends who helped me, my fiance and son more than they could ever realise.
“I wanted to turn the negative into a positive, as best as I could.”
Whilst serving my custodial sentence, I was approached and asked to lead the development of men’s mental health within the prison. I accepted the opportunity, and wanted to help and make a difference to my fellow inmates, as there were many mental health issues, with the men in desperate need for some focus and direction. I was delighted and this gave me such a sense of purpose for those 9 months, not only for myself but for others too. I was writing 6 week courses, delivering one group session per week, and 1-2-1 check ins and sessions throughout the day with specific individuals.
I was invited to return to assist with courses on my release, and although I'm not currently at the stage to go back, I intend on returning and continuing to contribute to the health and wellbeing development of the men. Being given this opportunity definitely helped my rehabilitation.
You might think my time away was the hardest part but it was actually the four months after being released. I felt embarrassed and isolated. The assumption often attached to those who are convicted is that they are “bad people”, and in certain cases this could be a fair opinion but not in all cases, as there are exceptions. Sometimes it’s an error or naive mistake that has brought this inevitable situation of conviction upon them.
After my release whilst figuring out my new pathway and direction, I was approached by my close friend, Alex Clapp, who could see the struggle I was going through after my release. We confided in each other and shared our vulnerabilities regarding men’s mental health, as he has been through a totally different yet still vulnerable time himself. Together we decided we wanted to give back and aid anyone suffering with their mental health. We were fully aware that the issue of mental health was rife, especially in the corporate world.
I am now so excited to say that together with other directors specialised in the industry we have built a business called Claritee. Aiming to deliver mental health and wellbeing training programmes to companies across the country. Not everyone has the mindset, experience or network of family and friends around them that I was grateful to have. For those who are struggling with poor mental health, I wanted to create a service that can help them and make real change. The business is well underway and we have many exciting, upcoming announcements concerning Claritee’s development.
Claritee has given me a strong sense of purpose and ignited my natural passion to help and support others. I am grateful for everyone in our Claritee team, the amount of experience and the bond we have created has been the driving force for giving me my self belief and sense of purpose back. I have a drive for the future, and for the first time in many years have a clear path ahead and feel genuine happiness. I am indebted to my son, fiance, family and friends for their ongoing support and care that they have always given to me, as this love is what carried me through such a dark time.
