My name is Chris Byng, and I am proud to be the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Life Link UK — an organisation created with one clear mission: to provide support, understanding and hope to those facing mental health challenges, crisis situations and some of life’s most difficult moments.

Life Link UK was born from my own personal journey. Throughout my life, I have faced challenges with mental health, including anxiety, depression and ADHD. I have also experienced the impact of drug and alcohol addiction and understand how important the right support can be when someone feels they have nowhere else to turn.

Those experiences gave me a deep passion for helping others. I wanted to build something that ensures people are heard, supported and never left feeling alone during their darkest moments.

Over recent years, mental health and crisis support have become extremely close to my heart. This led me to dedicate myself to studying and developing my knowledge across mental health, crisis negotiation, conflict negotiation, psychology, substance misuse and psychiatry.

Through this journey, I have continued to learn from qualified psychologists, mental health professionals, support workers and organisations — combining professional knowledge with lived experience to create a service built on empathy, trust and genuine understanding.

Over the last 12 months alone, I have worked closely with many individuals experiencing crisis, and I am incredibly proud to say I have personally supported more than 120 people during times of crisis. Every conversation has strengthened my belief that listening, compassion and connection can change lives.

My vision for Life Link UK is to provide the highest level of care and support possible — not only for those who reach out to us, but also for our team. From qualified psychologists and mental health professionals to support workers and volunteers, we continue to grow, learn and work alongside other organisations to ensure people receive the help they deserve.

Life Link UK represents more than a service — it represents hope, connection and the belief that nobody should struggle alone.

Everyone has a story. Everyone deserves to be heard.

Reach out, we’re here to listen. You matter

My journey into mental health has been shaped not only through my professional career, but through my own lived experiences.

I am a Qualified Mental Health Practitioner Nurse, and throughout my career I have dedicated myself to supporting people through some of the most challenging and vulnerable moments of their lives. Mental health has always been more than a profession to me — it is something I understand on a deeply personal level.

Behind my role as a professional, I have faced my own battles with mental health, including Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, ADHD, anxiety and depression. These experiences have given me an insight and understanding that cannot be learned from textbooks alone. I know what it feels like to struggle, to fight unseen battles and to need someone who listens without judgement.

My own journey has taught me the importance of compassion, patience and human connection. It has shaped the way I support others — seeing the person behind the diagnosis and recognising that every individual has their own story, challenges and strengths.

Suicide prevention is something extremely close to my heart, having been personally impacted by suicide. Experiencing the pain and devastation it leaves behind has strengthened my determination to help create a space where people feel heard, valued and supported before they reach crisis point.

More recently, due to my own health challenges, I made the decision to become self-employed. This has allowed me to continue following my passion for helping others while also respecting my own wellbeing and journey. I believe our experiences do not define our limitations — they can become part of the reason we fight harder to make a difference.

When Chris shared his vision for Life Link UK, I immediately connected with its mission. A service built around listening, understanding, crisis support and reminding people that they matter represents everything I believe in.

Combining my professional knowledge with my personal experiences, I am proud to stand alongside Chris and support the growth of Life Link UK. Together, we want to create a place where nobody feels alone, where reaching out feels possible, and where people know there is always someone ready to listen.

Mental health does not discriminate. Everyone deserves kindness, support and hope.

Hi, I'm Paul, 39 years old, and I have lived experience of mental health challenges throughout most of my adult life.

My personal experiences have given me a real passion for supporting others and helping to reduce the stigma around mental health. Alongside my lived experience, I have completed Person-Centred Counselling training up to Level 3 and have previously worked as a Mental Health Support Worker.

I believe in the importance of listening, understanding, and creating safe spaces where people feel heard and supported. I'm passionate about using both my personal and professional experiences to help others on their own mental health journeys.

Outside of mental health, I enjoy playing football, listening to music, spending time with my family, and being involved in my local community.

I'm excited to be part of LifeLink UK and look forward to helping make a positive difference in people's lives.