Essex MP says that male mental health is a "real worry"
David Burton-Sampson hosted a "walk and talk" event at Belfairs Woods
The MP for Southend West and Leigh says that male mental health is a "real worry", and that the effects of suicide can be "absolutely devastating" for friends and family.
David-Burton Sampson chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Male Suicide and Mental Health, and organised a "walk and talk" event in Belfairs Woods to encourage more men to talk about their struggles.
He aims to raise awareness of men's mental health, having lost a close friend to suicide.
"Male mental health is a real worry, with three out of four suicides being men, and suicide being the biggest killer of men under 54.
"Our walks that we did over the last weekend were to actually get men out and get men talking.
"We were supported by Andy's Man Club.
"It's really important for me to raise these issues. I have been impacted personally by losing a friend only recently to suicide.
"The impact that suicide has on the family, the friends, the partner, the people who are left, is just absolutely devastating.
"We need to be getting those improvements, and the Men's Health Strategy from the government starts to go some way to driving improvements, but it needs people like me championing men and encouraging men to get talking."
"Walk and talk" events were held across the country, including in David's Southend West and Leigh constituency.
The walk took place in Belfairs Woods in Leigh-on-Sea.
Support is available online via the Samaritans website, or on 116 123.