A DAD has organised a support group to help men suffering from mental health problems after his own struggle with anxiety and depression.

Tim Brown had to overcome a breakdown after he was targeted by a fraudster who stole savings from his bank account, as well as other difficult things that happened in his life.

He said: “In terms of men, they are often too proud to speak up, they feel like they have failed. The men’s mentality has always been ‘I have to provide; I have to be the strong one.’ In my personal experience I felt that I had failed my family, I felt weak. It was only after I spoke to someone, I realised I wasn’t.

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Mr Brown started the men’s mental health group with James Martin, who is minister at Pershore Baptist Church and “really good at listening and giving support,” Mr Brown said.

He added: “We lost literally everything. We lost our house. I couldn’t provide for my family anymore. I ended up having two years off sick, thinking ‘I can’t do this. It wasn’t until I sat down and had a conversation with James that I felt better. He told me I am not a failure, and it’s not my fault. He guided me on how to deal with it more positively and how to move forward. Now I have a great job and things are looking up.”

Mr Brown added: “My wife was amazing. I couldn’t fault her at all. If it wasn't for her I don't know where I would be right now. She got me through thick and thin and supported me every step of the way.”

“That’s why we started the group, to help guys like me move forward. I am hopeful that we are helping one or two guys get through something and move forward.”

Just over three out of four suicides (76 per cent) are by men and suicide is the biggest cause of death for men under 35.

He added: “Men tend to bottle it up and bottle it up until it gets worse and they eventually end up in the NHS care which takes a long time.”

The group called Alright fella, is held at Pershore Baptist Church every month.