Herefordshire support group says men need to keep talking to break mental health stigmas
It's to mark Movember - a month dedicated to raising awareness of men's wellbeing
The co-founder of a men's mental health support group in Herefordshire says work needs to continue to reduce the stigmas about them talking about their wellbeing.
It's as this month is known as Movember, which is dedicated to raising awareness of men's health issues.
Around 75% of deaths to suicide in the UK are men. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show in 2023, males aged 45-49 years were found to have the highest suicide rate.
Paul Stevens set-up Hereford Men's Mental Health along with Euan McPherson in 2019, and says knowing there is a support network out there can make a big difference to people.
"We just need to reduce the stigma, we need to talk, we need to be open and honest," he said.
"The big issue this time of year is that people can suffer from seasonal affective disorder, so the darker nights coming along, the lack of sunlight, long evenings on their own.
"It might even be they feel their friendships have broken down or relationships have broken down, so just turning up and coming through the doorway is a big step.
"Support has a massive impact, because when you're struggling with your own mental health, you think you're the only one, and you don't realise there's lots of other people who are also struggling."