A MENTAL health charity has been given money from Comic Relief to support young males across Teesside.

Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind is working with young men aged between 14 and 20 to deliver peer-led support groups and activities to help improve their mental health and wellbeing.

This project comes at a time the North East has the highest male suicide rating in the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Sarah Ross, service manager at Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind, said “We know the term ‘therapy’ can sound daunting to young people, especially males who feel they cannot speak up about their feelings.

“The ‘Let’s Do It’ project will allow us to support young men in lots of ways from group talk to sports and activities, so they are interacting with like-minded peers and will help each other, without even knowing it”.

Sue wicks, Head of Investments at Comic Relief, said: “Comic Relief is proud to be supporting Middlesbrough Mind to reach out to young men who often find it challenging to access support for their mental health problems.

“This project is one of many projects across the UK we have funded which aim to provide alternative access to support or help for particularly marginalised or vulnerable young men”.

The project will cover Middlesbrough and Stockton area and is appealing for young men aged between 14 and 20 who may have experience of being in care or class themselves as part of the BAME community, to work collaboratively with the charity.

If you or someone you know may be struggling with their mental health, Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind offer a range of support, call 01642 257020 or visit www.middlesbroughandstocktonmind.org.uk.