Bolton South East MP Yasmin Qureshi has addressed Parliament on the subject of men's mental health in recognition of International Men's Day – which fell on Saturday.

Ms Qureshi, who used to be a member of suicide prevention charity Samaritans, spoke to her peers in the House of Commons about her experience of having people call the helpline.

She said: "I remember there were times when people would ring about three or four times, the same person with the same problem, and it was quite clear that they needed someone to listen to them and talk to them. Not to give them advice, not to guide them, but to actually just listen.

"So, it's important how much loneliness there is in our society, especially for men."

She went on to say that Samaritans figures show that suicide is the biggest cause of death for men under the age of 50 and around three quarters of suicide deaths per year are men.

She added: "Data from the Office of National Statistics shows that the highest rates of suicide in men been in mixed and white ethnic groups.

"Men aged 45 to 49 are most at risk of suicide, and the rate this group has been persistently high for many years.

"Historically, we know there's often an alpha male archetype where many men feel force to stoically toughen up and get through the bad times, whilst avoiding talking up or speaking to people or seeking help.

"We need to do more to address these very outdated stereotypes of masculinity.

"And equally, of course, we need to do more to support men who are struggling or in crisis."

If someone is struggling, whatever they are going through, they can call Samaritans for free on 116 123.

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