A MEN'S mental health charity from Basingstoke recently hosted its first live event to raise funds and awareness for men's mental health support.

Tough Enough To Care, one of Basingstoke's mayor, Cllr Paul Miller's, chosen charities, hosted the event on April 25 in The Dice Tower.

Charity ambassador for the south, Martin Robertson, 40, had previously used the service after struggling with his mental health for a number of years. 

Martin, who has lived in Basingstoke for 20 years, said: "We had initially found out about Tough Enough to Care through a Facebook post my wife saw a couple of years ago. I was in a really low place at the time and was having some horrible thoughts. I attended the group and enjoyed being able to get thoughts off my chest and into the open.

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"There is a stigma around men's feelings, where we are told to 'man up' and keep it to ourselves. Everyone needs help sometimes, and there is no shame in being a man and admitting you are having these feelings."

Suicide is the biggest cause of death in men under the age of 50 and around three-quarters of deaths from suicides each year are men. 

Martin became a facilitator for Tough Enough To Care in Basingstoke, before being asked to become an ambassador for the charity in the South of England, which he accepted.

Martin added: "There is no obligation to talk and open up, if you wish to join and not say anything, that is totally fine. We just want you to know that we are here, and we care."

Tough Enough To Care sessions are free of charge, and there is no waiting list to join. Sessions are held on Mondays, excluding bank holidays, from 7.30pm-9.30pm at Westside Community Centre, Paddock Road.

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Martin said: "A massive thanks to Scott for the great support we have received from The Dice Tower, and another big thank you to Nicky and Vicky at Westside Community Centre, who have been so helpful and supportive in what we are trying to do.

"Our goal is to make sure every man in Basingstoke knows that support is there if they need it. No one deserves to suffer in silence, and if someone wants that support, please do come along. It's not the answer, but it's the perfect start."

More information on Tough Enough To Care can be found online at toughenoughtocare.help or on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/445341293908789.