“I think back to myself in the darkest times, and I wish I could tell him that it will always be okay.”
In 2019, Michael Chakraverty captured hearts of Great British Bake Off viewers around the world. His amazing culinary creations got him far in the competition – not to mention a Hollywood Handshake. But it was his joyful, sensitive, and kind presence on our screens that cemented Michael as a Grassroots’ favourite.
Michael is one half of the Menkind Podcast, a discussion where ‘men step back and examine masculinity itself’, and is also a recipe contributor and mental health and LGBTQ+ advocate. In November 2020, Michael joined our Ask Now Save Lives campaign. He generously took the time to answer our questions – openly and honestly.
How are you feeling today?
I’m feeling quite tired and like my brain is on the edge of becoming overwhelmed.
What can you see from your window?
I can see blue sky, and some bright flowers I’ve managed to coax to life.
What makes you happy?
The best feeling is the last mile of a run on a bright, blue, crisp autumn morning. Homeward bound, ready for snacks and a LOT of sitting down. That, or dancing around my bedroom to Little Mix.
“With the simplest action – a few words, one question – we can save someone’s life.”
We all need support sometimes – where do you get yours?
My friends. I text them in the morning to say when I’m feeling low. I generally become a bit of a hermit but knowing that they’re there and ready to help means the world. They often check in a couple of times throughout the day (persistently even when I ignore them).
Why is preventing suicide important to you?
I know how it feels to feel there’s no point in tomorrow, but I also know that it will always get better and that things will always change. I think back to myself in the darkest times, and I wish I could tell him that it will always be okay – even if things feel impossible, even if I know I’m making mistakes – it will always be okay. There is always someone who will listen, and there is always tomorrow.
Why should I join the Ask Now Save Lives campaign?
With the simplest action – a few words, one question – we can save someone’s life. We can help them towards tomorrow. It’s that simple, and so important.