In October 2017 I lost my friend to suicide but knew nothing of his mental health issues and his experiences in the last two months of his life.

I decided to organise a men's mental health event. It was supposed to be a very small affair but after putting an appeal out on Facebook I realised that this was a big subject on people's minds and to do it any justice I needed to give it the space it seemed to be asking for.

The event will be held on Sunday 20th May, at the end of Mental Health Awareness Week, at Leeds City Museum. It will serve as a launch event for a series of activity sessions and so will combine a mixture of mental health charities/organisations providing information and support, activity/social groups to join up to, real stories from men who have experienced mental illness, and a variety of workshops such as a visit from State Of Mind Sport, Mindfulness For Men and Self Care Isn't Selfish. (Full schedule available at mensmentalhealthevents.wordpres.com)

It was very important to me that real stories be heard at this event. We need real conversations about mental health and mental illness.

You can also help with funding the organising of the event by heading to the crowdfunding page

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lisabourne31

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.