Man's death inspires mental health support service

A man's death has inspired a community to come together to support those struggling with their mental health.

Ben was a popular resident of Tyne Housing Association in Byker, Newcastle, who regularly championed issues around homelessness, but died by suicide in 2023.

A community programme has been created in Ben's memory by his neighbours and housing association to offer support to other vulnerable people.

Karl, a member of the residents' group, said Ben's death impacted him a lot but he now wanted to help others in a similar situation.

"Ben was a brilliant guy and a great friend, and many of us struggled to cope in the early days," he said.

"I know Ben is one of a bigger group of people who tragically have taken their own lives, but when it's someone you know, a neighbour and a friend, it hits you hard.

"We will never forget Ben and his passing has been our motivation to help others and hopefully reduce the numbers of people struggling with their mental health."

The Emotional Resilience Programme will be delivered from the Joseph Cowen Centre in Byker and will be available for residents in Tyneside and Northumberland.

It is being funded by £218,701 from The National Lottery Community Fund over the next three years.

Tyne Housing's wellbeing and learning manager Bryan Beverley said speaking to local residents had allowed the programme to be designed to meet the specific needs of the community.

"We listened very carefully to our residents and visitors who all shared a similar experience of grief and highlighted a specific gap that existed in mental health services at a time when it's needed most," he said.

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