A CHARITY has revealed more than 700 men have taken part in activities organised by a charity as part of a mental health campaign.

The #BeAGameChanger campaign was launched by Newcastle United Foundation in February with the aim of getting more football talking about mental health.

In its first month, it reached over 3.6million through social media, and has encouraged Newcastle United fans to share their personal story through social and traditional media.

In a survey conducted by the foundation through its new #BeAGameChanger Facebook community, which now has over 860 members, 70 per cent stated that the campaign has changed the way they think about mental health, and 40 per cent said they had since opened up to someone they know about their own mental health.

Ashley Lowe, the charity’s health and wellbeing manager, said: “It is a fact that one in four people experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives. We know that the North-East has one of the highest rates of suicide and that suicide is the most common cause of death for men aged 20-49. Given that we have a community united by a love of football, we were confident that the power of the Newcastle United badge could be a catalyst for much-needed conversations amongst men, and a great way to break down stigma and feelings of shame or isolation.”