Men's mental health was at the forefront of a wellbeing event supporting one of the county's leading support services.

More than 80 people attended Suffolk Mind's first 'How Do We...?' event on November 18 at Ipswich Town Football Club.

The event was held to coincide with International Men's Day and aimed to open up conversations surrounding men's mental health.

Suffolk Mind hosts men's mental health event in Ipswich Suffolk Mind hosts men's mental health event in Ipswich (Image: Suffolk Mind) Ezra Hewing, head of mental health education at Suffolk Mind, said: "People rightly point out that suicide rates are higher among men – although saying this is because men aren’t asking for help simply isn’t the case.

“As many as 80% of men who die by suicide had been in contact with mental health services before taking their life.

“So 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."

The event featured speakers who discussed various aspects of mental health.

Ashley from Blue Sole Shoes, an online support group, spoke about his personal experiences with depression and panic attacks.

Suffolk Mind raises more than £1,000 to fund mental health services Suffolk Mind raises more than £1,000 to fund mental health services (Image: Suffolk Mind) He also shared the benefits of daily journalling and running to improve mental health.

Suffolk Mind's new short film, 'How Do We...?', which follows the lives of four men facing mental health challenges, was also premiered at the event.

Ian White from Beckett Investment said: : “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.”

The event raised £1,200 to fund Suffolk Mind's services.