Northumbria Police’s football team are taking a stance against the stigma men feel around discussing their health this Men’s Mental Health Week.

The Force football club, led by Chief Superintendent Brad Howe, are determined to address harmful stereotypes which can suggest those in crises need to ‘man up.’

And as Men’s Mental Health Week comes to a close, the team are asking anyone struggling to take their first steps and look at materials on offer through #BeAGameChanger campaign endorsed by both Newcastle United Foundation and Sunderland AFC’s Foundation of Light.

Chief Superintendent Howe said: “We are accepting of not being in peak physical form all the time, and it’s important we recognise the same can also be said in regard to our mental health.

“Whilst it’s great to see just how much awareness has been raised in the last few years, we know that many men still suffer in silence and feel ashamed because of out-dated stereotypes and we need to keep promoting and supporting people to talk about.

Detective Inspector Chris Deavin, from Northumbria Police’s first ever Suicide Prevention Team, said: “Sadly, the North East has one of the highest male suicide rates in the country and as a Force we are determined to play our part to help signpost those in need to the services which can be a massive difference.

“One of the ways we are doing this is by supporting the #BeAGameChanger campaign, and working to eradicate stigma, and raise awareness of not only the incredible services available in our region, but also the barriers which are preventing people from accessing support in the first place.

“We all struggle from time to time and this is completely normal. It’s time to change the narrative so anyone who needs support should know there are some incredible services out there.”

As well as the campaign mentioned above, anyone who needs support can contact Samaritans on 116 123 or through Samaritans.org