A MENTAL health charity is hosting a football match to help kick off conversations about men’s mental wellbeing. 

Reach Out for Mental Health offers a variety of support for those who struggle with worries and mental health struggles and has set up a friendly football match. 

Charity leader Kirsty Eaton said: “The idea for the football match came when we saw that Colchester was above the national average of suicide rates in the previous years. 

“Thankfully, it is around the national average now, but there is still a lot of work to be done. 

Gazette: Northern Gateway Sports Park

“Men are most at risk when it comes to suicide. We wanted to create an event to get men together to have a kickaround. 

“The football match seems like a way to get men along and have some fun.” 

She added: “I guess men open up better side by side instead of face to face. We want to start the conversation about life and it is challenging. 

“I also want to thank Tony Lee of the FaNs network, who helped organise the event. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without him.” 

The match is free to attend and will take place on March 5 between 6 to 8pm at Colchester Sports Park

The charity has also announced it will offer more events in the future, with the next event held on April 23, where a “high profile” guest speaker will attend. 

Anyone interested in joining the match can book a place via info@reachoutfmh.co.uk