Construction firm backs suicide prevention charity

The highest rate was in Cumberland (19 per 100,000), significantly higher than the national average of 10.7 deaths per 100,000 people. Westmorland and Furness also has the third highest rate in the North West at 15.5 deaths per 100,000 population, according to data published by the Office for National Statistics (2021-2023).

The male suicide prevention charity #ANDYSMANCLUB has been expanding in the county and also raising awareness over the past couple of years. Last month a fundraising ball was thrown by Cumbrian homebuilder Genesis Homes to raise money for the charity. The event at the Halston in Carlisle marked the end of a year of fundraising by the Penrith homebuilder for the charity which opens two new clubs this month - in Wigton and a second one in Carlisle.

Chris Green, lead facilitator at the Carlisle branch of the male suicide prevention charity, said the awareness of male mental health issues raised by Genesis Homes could save at least one life.

'Nicky the Bricky' who took his own life (Image: Chris Green)

Chris shared with guests of the ball the emotional story of how his son Nicky, affectionately known as ‘Nicky the Bricky’ as he worked in construction, died of suicide at the age of 20. He said: “We have been so humbled by the amazing generosity of Genesis Homes and its supporters to raise so much money for #ANDYSMANCLUB which means we can open more clubs and reach more men who are struggling with their mental health.

“But what’s more important to our charity is the amazing awareness Genesis Homes has spread about #ANDYSMANCLUB, and the message about how important it is that men feel they can share their feelings with others without fear of prejudice.”

The Andy’s Man Club sessions run every Monday at various locations across Cumbria and encourage men to talk without fear of prejudice. Since the Carlisle club opened at the beginning of this year more than 1,000 men have taken part.

Chris said: "It helps everyone understand that it’s okay to seek help. It’s about breaking down the stigma and getting people talking so people know they are not alone. The groups are not just for people thinking about suicide, it’s for lonely people, widowers, people new to the area and wanting to make connections. It helps stop people feeling lonely and it’s not just about men. If a man comes to our group on a Monday there might be less pressure in the home with his wife and children. It’s a step in people’s recovery, a baby step.”

He says businesspeople from bank managers and policemen to retail workers come to the groups, but often people don’t talk about their jobs.

“It’s a level playing field, a lot of people don’t say what they do. Some people have good jobs and are struggling, some are out of work, made redundant. Just because a man ‘s life looks good on paper sometimes you would never think they were struggling. Nice house, car, job and they can still have problems.”

Chris’s son Nicky had struggled with mental health problems and tried to take his own life three times before he succeeded. Chris saw him a few hours before he died. “You would not have known he was suffering to look at him,” says Chris. “He was in really good spirits and then a few hours later he hung himself.”

The new club in Wigton (Image: #ANDYSMANCLUB)

Nicky Gordon, the company’s founder and managing director, selected #ANDYSMANCLUB as he is passionate about encouraging men to open up about their feelings.

Not only is the rate of suicide in men higher than the national average across Cumbria, the number of suicides within construction is three times higher than the national industry average.

Nicky said: “The statistics about male suicides across Cumbria and within construction are really worrying.

“This is our world. A great number of our colleagues are in what might be classed as ‘vulnerable trades’ so I see it as my and our duty to do what we can to promote initiatives that seek to improve mental health and tackle the devastating impact of suicide.

“I’m pleased to have got to know some of the wonderful people at #ANDYSMANCLUB who do a fantastic job in bringing men together in a safe place where they can share their experiences and open up about their struggles. It is truly lifesaving work they carry out across our county and throughout the entire country.”

Westmorland and Furness Council is also working with partners to reduce the number of suicides and have endorsed a multi-agency plan to improve support for those at risk and ensuring people who are bereaved receive the support they need.

Katrina Stephens, director of public health at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “Every death by suicide is an individual tragedy, which is why reducing the number of suicides in Westmorland and Furness is a key ambition for us, and also for so many Health and Wellbeing Board partner organisations.

“Talking about feelings, including suicidal thoughts, can be scary, and only 45 per cent of people feel comfortable to talk about suicidal thoughts. But doing so can help people get the help they need, and may even save a life.

“We will continue working together to reduce the stigma around suicide, raise awareness of suicide prevention, strengthen mental health and early intervention support and provide better support to those affected by suicide.”