YOUNG men will receive support with their mental health and wellbeing thanks to a charity which aims to reduce the male suicide rate in the region.

Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind is working with young men aged between 14 and 20 to deliver support groups and activities, delivered by their peers, to help improve their mental health.

And the charity has received a cash boost from Comic Relief to help it with its work with young men.

This project comes in as Office for National Statistics figures for 2017 showed that the North-East has the highest male suicide rating in the UK.

In Middlesbrough alone, the suicide rate is more than 70 per cent higher than the national average, and it is men who are most likely to attempt to take their own lives.

Sarah Ross, Service Manager at Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind, said: “We know the term ‘therapy’ can sound daunting to young people, especially males who feel they cannot speak up about their feelings.

“The ‘Let’s Do It’ project will allow us to support young men in lots of ways from group talk to sports and activities, so they are interacting with like-minded peers and will help each other, without even knowing it”.

Sue Wicks, Head of Investments at Comic Relief, said: “Comic Relief is proud to be supporting Middlesbrough Mind to reach out to young men who often find it challenging to access support for their mental health problems.

“This project is one of many projects across the UK we have funded which aim to provide alternative access to support or help for particularly marginalised or vulnerable young men.”

The project will help youngsters in the Stockton and Middlesbrough areas and is in need of young men to help out.

Any males aged between 14 and 20 who may have experience of being in care, or who class themselves as part of the black and minority ethnic community are being asked to work collaboratively with the charity.

Anyone who is struggling with their mental health can contact Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind for a range of support.

Call 01642-257020 or visit www.middlesbroughandstocktonmind.org.uk.