About Us

First Contact UK Mental Health CIC was founded by Thomas Judge, who serves as both the founder and Director. After spending four years as part of an online mental health forum, Tom decided to take his mission further by establishing a Community Interest Company in August 2023. This came a year after he and his team completed an extraordinary walk from Middlesbrough to Benidorm to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.

Over the course of 10 weeks, Tom walked an incredible 1,167 miles, raising £8,000 and inspiring thousands along the way. His efforts left a lasting legacy—raising vital funds to support others while bringing mental health and suicide prevention into the public spotlight.

Tom is a passionate advocate for a unified and independent UK mental health service, where all providers work collaboratively under one umbrella system. He also champions the inclusion of mental health education in school curriculums at every level, starting from primary school.

Stay connected with us for updates on our events and Tom’s inspiring adventures, with exciting plans leading up to 2028.

Meet the Team

Email Tom

Thomas Judge

Founder & CEO

Tom started First Contact UK Mental Health because of his own illness.

“I was a very active entrepreneur and at the age of 50, I was struck down with complex PTSD and disassociation disorders and that’s why I wanted to set something up to help others overcome day to day challenges. From my point of view, there was absolutely nothing that was sustainable for me after I came out of services that was open-ended in terms of after care and rehabilitation support."

Today, his overarching aim is to provide people with a facility they can use for as long as they need, with suitable recovery support that will enable them to remain stable for longer, as well as providing fully funded meaningful activities.

Email Kev

Kev Wilcox

Fundraiser & Advocate for First Contact UK

"Hi, I’m Kev. I’m 45, a proud dad and grandad, and full-time carer for my terminally ill mam. I’m also a qualified NVQ Level 3 painter and decorator.

I came across First Contact UK Mental Health at one of the lowest points in my life. I was drinking heavily and struggling with my mental health, though I didn’t fully realise it at the time. When Tom, the founder, asked for volunteers to walk with him, I took a chance; and I’ve never looked back.

Walking has become my medicine. It helps me manage my anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and being out there talking to others who get it makes a massive difference. Now, I’m setting off on a huge challenge: walking from Teesside to Benidorm with a fridge on my back to raise awareness and funds.

If you’re struggling, I’d say this... get out, walk, and talk. If you're local, come join us. It might feel scary at first, but we all understand what you're going through. You don’t have to do it alone."

Email Steve

Steve Whyte

Fundraiser & Chef for our Walks

"I’m Steve Whyte, and my mental health journey began in my early teens. I’ve lived with depression, PTSD, and ADHD, and in late 2020, I survived a massive heart attack that changed everything. That moment became the starting point of a spiritual journey that led me to where I am now.

In 2024, during a solo cycling trip around Europe, I was contacted by Tom from First Contact UK Mental Health. He invited me to be part of the team and share my experiences to help others who are struggling.

Now, I’m joining the walk from Teesside to Benidorm - an opportunity to raise awareness and show that recovery is possible, no matter how tough things have been."

Keep your eyes open for Steve's 'Fine Dining on a Budget' when we start on our walk to Spain!

Email Victoria

Victoria Lawrence

Media Manager

Victoria has spent over a decade helping charities connect with their communities and raise much-needed funds. Since June 2012, she has volunteered with Breast Cancer Now’s Isle of Man group, where she lived for 14 years, creating event posters and websites to support their fundraising efforts. She has also helped other charities on a casual basis with publicity and websites for their events.

"I’ve lived with depression on and off throughout my life and currently take medication to manage it. Tom’s story and dedication inspire me so much, and I’m proud to help promote the amazing work First Contact UK Mental Health is doing."

Victoria is looking forward to helping First Contact UK Mental Health reach as many people as possible.

Illuminating Hope.
Saving Lives.

About Us

Meet the Team

Thomas Judge

Kev Wilcox

Steve Whyte

Victoria Lawrence

First Contact UK Mental Health

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