'I want to change how men support each other'

Bill Brewer's efforts are part of Movember's ongoing mission to change the face of men's mental health

A father-of-two has said he is on a mission to change how men support each other after dealing with his own mental heath struggles when he became a dad.

Bill Brewer said he went from being "on top of the world, to being at one of the lowest points in my life".

"That's when I really understood how fragile mental health can be," he said, "and how important it is to have people around you who get it," added the 35-year-old, who is originally from London but now lives in Preston, Lancashire.

As the month-long mental heath campaign Movember kicks off, Mr Brewer said he wanted other men to know they were not alone.

"It all started when a mate opened up to me about wanting to end his life," he said.

"I didn't have all the answers, I just listened.

"That moment showed me how powerful it can be when men talk and look out for each other."

• If you, or someone you know, has been affected by the issues in this report, BBC Action Line has put together a list of organisations that can help

A year later, in 2022, after becoming a father and struggling to balance work, family, and his own wellbeing, Mr Brewer realised he too was struggling with his own mental health.

"It was supposed to be a happy time, I was a new dad, but I'd stopped looking after myself," he said.

Bill Brewer, who moved to Preston to raise his family, said finding new friendships locally had been vital for his own wellbeing

He began fundraising for Movember in 2024 by running 5km (3.1 miles) every day throughout November, raising more than £2,000 for men's health causes.

This year, his mission has evolved beyond fundraising.

"Men have a funny way of talking," he said. "It's not always deep heart-to-hearts, sometimes it's just standing beside someone, going for a run, or having a kickabout.

"That quiet kind of support can be enough to remind someone they're not alone."

Three weeks ago, Mr Brewer set up the Brotherhood Run Club, which already has more than 70 members.

During Movember, he will be running 60km (37 miles) every week in a bid to continue raising awareness.

"To any man struggling, you're not alone," he said.

"There's no shame in opening up. Being vulnerable is one of the strongest things we can do."