My Story. My Journey. My Why.
My name is Rizwan Javed, and I'm the founder of Untangled29.
People often hear about the lives I've helped save through my work on the railway, but they may not know that I've faced my own battles too.
My teenage years weren't always easy. There was a time when I found myself in a very dark place, carrying struggles I didn't know how to express or navigate. Those experiences have stayed with me and helped shape the person I am today.
The Conversation That Changed Everything
When I started working on the railway, I attended Samaritans training on recognising vulnerable people and approaching someone who might be struggling.
The very next day, I needed to put that training into practice.
I remember feeling nervous. What if I said the wrong thing or made the situation worse? But I approached the person, and we started talking.
It wasn't a profound conversation. I had no powerful speech or life-changing words prepared. We simply spoke about everyday things, including the weather.
And sometimes, that's all it takes.
That first intervention taught me something I'll carry with me for the rest of my life:
"You don't always need the perfect words. Sometimes, what someone needs most is to feel heard."
It wasn't about solving their problems. It was about being present, showing compassion and listening without judgement.
From One Life to 34
What began with that first intervention has become a journey I could never have imagined.
Today, I've had the privilege of helping save 34 lives. But this has never been about numbers or recognition. Behind every intervention is a person with a story, someone who matters and may be carrying struggles the world cannot see.
I don't have all the answers. I simply believe that noticing someone, reaching out and listening can make a real difference.
Are We Really Listening?
We're constantly busy. We ask people how they are, but how often do we truly listen to the answer?
When someone says they're fine, do we notice how they're really feeling? When someone opens up, are we listening to understand, or planning what to say next?
Sometimes, the people closest to us are fighting battles we know nothing about. They may not even know how to tell us they're struggling.
That's why I encourage everyone to be more present:
"Put your phone down. Give someone your attention. Listen without judgement."
Let them speak without feeling they have to explain or justify their emotions.
You don't always need to offer advice or find a solution. Sometimes, listening is the most valuable thing you can do.
If someone is struggling, ask how they're really feeling. Help them feel less alone, remind them that support is available and encourage them to connect with someone who can help.
We may not be able to change what someone is going through, but we can make sure they don't face it alone.
Why I Created Untangled29
Untangled29 is more than a name or social media platform to me. It brings together my personal experiences, the challenges I faced growing up, the people I've met through my work and everything I've learnt along the way.
For a long time, much of my story remained untold. People know about my work on the railway, but there's another side to my journey: my own struggles and the experiences that shaped my understanding of mental health.
Through Untangled29, I want to share more of that story—not because my experiences matter more than anyone else's, but because hearing someone speak openly about hidden struggles can be powerful.
I want Untangled29 to be a space for honest conversations about mental health, a place to challenge stigma and remind people that it's okay not to be okay. I'll share practical tips, useful tools, personal reflections and resources to help people through difficult moments.
Through speaking engagements, workshops, awareness campaigns and community initiatives, I hope to reach more people and encourage them to recognise the difference they can make.
I'm not here to tell people how to live. I'm here to share what I've learnt, what I've experienced and what continues to help me—and hopefully, someone will find something that resonates.
One Day at a Time
Life has taught me that no two days are ever the same.
Some days are good, some are difficult, and sometimes simply getting through the day feels like an achievement. We all experience challenges differently, so there's no single approach that works for everyone.
That's why I believe in kindness, patience and understanding, towards others and ourselves. You never truly know what someone may be going through behind their smile.
"Asking for help is a sign of courage, not weakness."
Check in on the people around you. Make time for conversations. Be present.
As Untangled29 grows, I'll continue sharing my journey, experiences and lessons.
I don't know how many people this platform will reach or where it will take me. But I do know this:
If something I share helps even one person feel less alone, more understood or more hopeful, then to me, that's a job well done.
Thank you for being here and being part of this journey.
Rizwan Javed MBE
Founder, Untangled29
Every Conversation Matters.