“No One Should Die Waiting for Therapy” - Vicky Willis on Building a Charity That Saves Lives Through Counselling, Movement, and Community

What if the hardest thing you ever went through became the catalyst for saving over 500 lives?In this episode we’re joined by Vicky Willis, founder of Bridging the Gap (BTG) a mental health charity changing lives through movement and therapy. Vicky shares the raw, honest story behind how a personal crisis, a gym membership, and one powerful moment on a motorway bridge led to a national movement helping hundreds of people find light through darkness.This isn’t just a story of hard work, it’s about resilience, purpose, and the kind of graft that starts with saving your own life and ends with transforming others.Listen as we discuss…(00:00) How a vet nurse career turned into a battle with anxiety and panic attacks(05:00) Why traditional mental health support failed her when she needed it most(12:00) The bridge moment: what pulled her back from the edge(20:00) How movement, therapy, and community became her recovery tools(28:00) Turning pain into purpose: starting a charity from scratch(36:00) The true cost of helping people and the funding struggles charities face(44:00) What it really takes to run a mental health charity and stay emotionally resilient(50:00) What to do if you or someone you love is struggling with mental health…and more.KEY TAKEAWAYSMovement Matters: exercise isn’t about lifting heavy weights; it’s about movement that brings joy, connection, and emotional release.The Power of Community: whether it's a quiet gym space or a warm welcome from a coach, feeling seen can be life-saving.Mental Health Needs Action: long waiting lists and stigma make it harder for people to get help. BTG offers a proactive, practical pathway.Charities Need Graft Too: behind every successful charity is emotional labour, endless admin, and the fight for funding.GUEST Vicky Willis - founder of Bridging the Gap (BTG), Mental Health Advocate, Charity Leader.How to get helpHow to donate Follow on Instagram