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Most men who die by suicide had sought help, Suffolk Mind reveals

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Eight out of ten men who die by suicide had previously contacted mental health services, Suffolk Mind's Head of Mental Health Education has revealed. The statistic challenges the common belief that men don't seek help for mental health issues.

The big picture: Mental health experts are calling for a fresh look at how services support men, rather than focusing solely on encouraging them to seek help.

Why it matters: The revelation challenges a long-held assumption that men's higher suicide rates are primarily due to reluctance to ask for support.

Ian White speaking at the event by Suffolk Mind
Ian White speaking at the event by Suffolk MindSuffolk Mind

Here's what we know:

  • More than 80% of men who died by suicide had contacted mental health services beforehand

  • Suffolk Mind held its first 'How Do We...?' event to explore new approaches

  • Over 80 people attended the event at Ipswich Town Football Club

  • The event, sponsored by Becketts Investment, raised £1,200 for Suffolk Mind's services

What they're saying: "If we know that the majority of men experiencing suicidal ideation are asking for help, the questions we have to ask are around whether mental health services in this country are providing the right support," said Ezra Hewing, Head of Mental Health Education at Suffolk Mind.

Ian White from Becketts Investment added: "Beckett Investment were proud to support Suffolk Mind's 'How Do We...?' event. Given the statistics around men's mental health and male suicide, we know that bringing people together is a key to making a change in our community."

Between the lines: The charity emphasises the importance of meeting 12 fundamental emotional and physical needs, including:

  • Sleep

  • Control

  • Emotional connection

  • Meaning and purpose

The bottom line: Suffolk Mind is encouraging people to examine their needs more closely, with Hewing suggesting three key questions to consider:

  • When life was hardest, which needs were unmet?

  • How are you meeting your needs in the present?

  • When imagining a healthy future, how do you see yourself meeting those needs?

Go deeper: Suffolk Mind's new short film 'How Do We...?' following four men facing mental health challenges can be viewed at www.vimeo.com/suffolkmind/howdowe

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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