Reflecting on 2024: Growth, Challenges, and the Road Ahead

As 2024 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year filled with growth, achievements, and challenges, both personally and professionally. From the expansion of X-4RCE to the success of Luton Comic Con, this year has been about making an impact, pushing forward despite obstacles, and setting the stage for an even bigger 2025.

X-4RCE: From One to Many

At the start of 2024, our online peer support group had just one participant. By September, that number had grown steadily to ten, marking a major milestone as we launched our face-to-face sessions at Raynham Way. Now, as the year ends, I am supporting 37 service users within X-4RCE and an additional 15 outside the group, a testament to the growing need for safe spaces where men can speak openly about their mental health.

To cap off the year, we celebrated our achievements with a Christmas party for our service users, a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and to acknowledge the resilience of every individual who has been part of this journey.

Luton Comic Con 2024: A Huge Success

One of the standout moments of the year was Luton Comic Con 2024, which wasn’t just a celebration of pop culture, it was a statement. It brought together the community under themes of safe spaces and mental health awareness. The event gained coverage from ITV, BBC, and local news outlets, proving that when people come together for something meaningful, the world takes notice.

‘All On Red’ – From Service Users to Creators

Another proud achievement of 2024 was the release of the comic book, ‘All On Red’. This wasn’t just any project, it was something created alongside X-4RCE service users who have since become directors of the CIC. Seeing them go from receiving support to becoming leaders and creators in their own right has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

Personal Challenges & Overcoming Adversity

While 2024 was full of achievements, it wasn’t without its struggles. Living with a disability like PTSD has made most days incredibly difficult, moments where the weight of past trauma felt almost unbearable. There were times when anxiety and flashbacks made even simple tasks feel overwhelming, and the mental toll of balancing responsibilities while managing my health was a constant battle.

But despite these challenges, I kept pushing forward. Every milestone X-4RCE reached, every service user supported, and every personal achievement was a testament to the fact that I refuse to be defined by my struggles. Instead, I use them as fuel to create change, build safe spaces, and prove that resilience is stronger than hardship.

Looking back, 2024 wasn’t just a year of growth, it was a year of defying the odds. And as I step into 2025, I do so with the same determination: to keep moving forward, to keep fighting for what matters, and to show that no challenge is too great to overcome.

A New Chapter in Coaching

This year also brought a transition in my football coaching career. After leaving Luton Town Ladies FC, I took on a new role at AFC Dunstable, where I now coach my daughter's team. This move has allowed me to stay involved in the sport while supporting young athletes in their development.

Academic Milestones

2024 wasn’t just about community work, it was also about bettering myself. I completed my first year of a distance learning degree in Psychology and Counselling with The Open University, passing all my modules. As I prepare to begin my second year in 2025, I’m eager to deepen my understanding of mental health, trauma, and resilience, not just for myself but for the people I support.

Looking Ahead to 2025

With everything we’ve built in 2024, the focus now shifts to 2025. One exciting development on the horizon is a new collaboration with Dunstable Town FC, where we’ll be working together on mental health initiatives. While I won’t say too much just yet, this partnership is another step toward making mental health support more accessible in the footballing world.

Beyond that, 2025 will be about expanding X-4RCE, growing our reach, and continuing to challenge the stigma around mental health. If 2024 has shown me anything, it’s that the work we’re doing matters, and we’re just getting started.

To everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you. Here’s to an even bigger, better, and more impactful 2025.