Harry Garside isn’t just a champion boxer—he’s a champion for mental health. Known for his vulnerability, resilience, and willingness to challenge societal stereotypes, Harry has become a powerful voice in the fight against the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. As part of our Fighting the Stigma campaign, Harry shares his personal experiences, his struggles, and his strategies for overcoming challenges.

With Harry, we are proud to launch The Empowered Mind Hub, a digital platform created to empower men with the tools, advice, and resources they need to thrive in today’s world. This hub focuses on six key areas of well-being, including mental health, relationships, and physical health. Designed to inspire action and spark conversations, The Empowered Mind Hub offers practical guidance for men to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and confidence.

Helping us kick off this campaign and driving the conversation forward, Harry’s authenticity and openness remind us that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength—and one that can lead to transformative change. 

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW BELOW

What inspired you to take a stand on mental health awareness for men?

Harry: What connects us as humans is the full spectrum of emotions we experience—joy, love, pain, jealousy. But too often, we focus on small talk rather than opening up about what’s really going on inside. The more we share, the more connected we feel. For me, talking openly about emotions became a turning point. It’s how I regulate stress and build meaningful connections with others.

Have you had an experience where you struggled and found that connecting with your emotions helped you through?

Harry: The last five years have brought me two or three extremely low moments. Each time, I’ve discovered more about myself. My close community knows me so well, they can often pick when I’m off before I even realise it. That depth of connection has been key to my growth. In the past, I might have tried to push through struggles alone, but I’ve learned that real strength comes from allowing myself to be supported. It’s not always about having the perfect words to describe how you’re feeling—it’s about staying curious, recognising the signs, and knowing who in your life truly has your back. Struggles are inevitable, but each one has helped me become more self-aware, more resilient, and more connected to the people who matter most.

How do you handle criticism or negativity from others?

Harry: I’ve faced a fair bit of backlash for some of the things I do. I try to handle it with empathy and compassion, realising that criticism is often a reflection of what’s happening inside the other person. It’s rarely personal. When someone’s pointing fingers, I think about whether they’re okay in that moment. I try not to take it to heart and remind myself we’re all navigating life in our own way

— Harry Garside

How does being a professional athlete influence your mental health?

Harry: Boxing has taught me discipline, structure, and resilience. But it’s not without challenges. You sacrifice a lot—time with friends, indulgent meals, spontaneity. Still, I’ve found that the more connected I am with myself, the better I perform. Emotional intelligence has been my secret weapon, improving not only my boxing but also my overall happiness.

What’s your message to men who feel ashamed to talk about their emotions?

Harry: Not all men have the emotional tools to express themselves, and that’s okay. My dad, for instance, thrives when given purpose or a task rather than being asked to share his feelings. For men who feel stuck, I’d say start with small, purposeful actions—whether that’s going to the gym, improving your diet, or building structure into your day. These small steps can make a big difference. But ultimately, change starts with you. No one is coming to fix things for you—you have to take that first step. And remember, vulnerability isn’t weakness. Asking for help and connecting with others can be one of the strongest, most transformative things you do.

Through Fighting The Stigma, we hope to inspire men to break free from stereotypes and embrace the strength in vulnerability. Together with Harry Garside and our partnership with Beyond Blue, we’re committed to creating a future where every man feels supported, heard, and empowered to live their best life.

Join the conversation, explore the resources at The Empowered Mind Hub, and support mental health initiatives by purchasing from our Blue Shirt Initiative collection.