CHESHIRE'S police and crime commissioner has lent his support to a campaign to encourage men with mental health issues to seek support.

‘In Your Corner’ is being hosted at Stockton Heath Police Station until Friday, May 25.

The initiative, which runs alongside Mental Health Awareness Week, uses the theme of boxing to encourage men to support their friends with mental health problems.

The police station is hosting a ‘red stool’ to signify the seat used in a boxing ring, while accompanying leaflets provide advice and signposting to Warrington Borough Council’s mental health support services.

Research shows that men are far less likely to report mental health issues than women and are three times more likely to take their own lives, with suicide being the leading cause of death in men under 45.

David Keane said: “I am pleased to lend my support to a campaign which not only encourages those struggling with their mental health to seek support, but also calls on all of us to listen to our friends and family members without judgement.

“Warrington and Halton actually exhibit some of the highest rates of suicide among young men in the whole of Cheshire and Merseyside.

"That’s why it’s vital that we act now to provide more support and prevent suicide.”