MEN are being encouraged to speak out about their mental health and wellbeing as part of a new Samaritans campaign.

Colchester Samaritans is supporting the Real People Real Stories campaign, sharing the stories of men who have successfully sought help.

A national survey by Samaritans found two in five men aged 20 to 59 do not seek support when they need to, because they prefer to solve their problems themselves.

This group includes men who are most at risk of suicide.

The campaign, supported by National Rail, will include the stories of a number of men who have overcome tough times.

There will be more than 50 events in England, Wales and Scotland to help promote the campaign.

Tony Robertson, 38, suffered from undiagnosed depression for most of his life.

Tony struggled to cope when he lost his job, his home and partner and attempted to take his own life.

He said: “I was in my hospital bed the morning after and I saw my mum sat there upset, and something clicked.

“I started talking to my mum about how I was feeling. I think having that human connection really does bring that home.

“I hope by sharing my story as part of the campaign, it will encourage other men to speak up and seek help before getting to the stage I got to. Talking really can save lives.”

A quarter of men felt their problems were not important enough to warrant calling a helpline.

Colchester branch director, Gaynor Bell, said: “We know men can sometimes find it really hard to admit they are having trouble coping and reluctant to seek help, and we want to say at the Colchester branch we do our best to make it easy to get in touch with Samaritans and talk to a volunteer.

“We are here to take calls 24/7 free on 116 123.”

Ex-Premier League footballer and professional boxer, Leon McKenzie, is supporting the campaign.

Find out more about Real People, Real Stories at www.samaritans.org/realpeoplerealstories.