A FORMER corporate banker at Lloyds has described the Square Mile working environment as "a powderkeg" as he plans to row across the Atlantic to raise money for youth mental health.

Londoner Bernie Hollywood OBE spent nearly a decade as a corporate banker at Lloyds Banking Group's HQ at 25 Gresham Street in the City.

With the City being "an incredible pool of talent, where young people come in and thrive under pressure" the focus on performance had always been strong - which is now starting to change, according to the ex-banker.

"It's reassuring to see businesses waking up to the fact that mental health should be akin to physical health; many are now taking steps to support employee wellbeing, such as hiring clinical psychologists," mentioned Hollywood.

Young peoples' referrals to NHS mental health services have almost doubled in the past year, and one in five children aged 9 to 17 are unhappy with their mental health, according to a report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

"As a father myself, I want to do everything I can to help make a difference to any children or young people who find themselves facing mental health issues," said Hollywood.

The former Lloyds banker has founded

Boat of Hope, a campaign which will see him take on a 3,000 nautical mile solo row across the Atlantic Ocean in December 2022, to raise funds for Samaritans and Love Rowing, and help build awareness for the difficulties young people are now facing.

"Although a daunting prospect, if my challenge brings hope to just one young person, it will all be worth it," Hollywood said.

(c) 2021 City A.M., source Newspaper