MATT Loftus is now paddling his own canoe after being made redundant in lockdown – in more ways than one.

And his launch of a new career could well be a lifesaver – especially in the current pandemic.

Matt, from Wollaston, has started his own business training those who work with children how to spot mental health issues and take effective action.

And to raise awareness he is also paddling 12 miles of the Stourbridge canal network this weekend for 12 miles from the Bonded Warehouse to Kinver Junction and back.

The 12 is important, it represents the 12 people who die by suicide every day in the UK.

Meanwhile Loftus Training Solutions offer Youth Mental Health First Aid Training courses, both online and socially distanced face-to-face.

The two latest are taking place at Bell Heath Outdoor Centre in Belbroughton on Thursday and Friday and include local teachers, outdoor activity workers and even two nursery early years staff.

Matt feels it is more important than ever during the pandemic, which has increased pressures on people coping with lockdown and social restrictions, that people responsible for children are aware of the early signs and know how to respond.

Matt, a former teacher who lost one of his pupils through suicide a few years ago, was already qualified in mental health training when he was made redundant from his job with an education technology firm.

He is now undergoing training to add a mental health first aid service for local businesses as well.