Byker mental health service launched in man’s memory

The death of a man has inspired a community to meet to support those who struggle with their mental health.

Ben was a resident of the Tyne Housing Association in Byker, Newcastle, who regularly defended issues about homelessness, but died in suicide in 2023.

A community program was created in the memory of Ben by his neighbors and the Housing Association to provide support to other vulnerable persons.

Karl, a member of the population group, said that the death of Ben affected him a lot, but he now wanted to help others in a similar position.

“Ben was a great young man and a great friend, and many of us have struggled to overcome the first days,” he said.

“I know that Ben is one of a group of more people who took their lives tragicly, but when someone you know, a neighbor and a friend, he hits you so hard.

“We will never forget Ben and that his death was an incentive to help others and hope that you will reduce the numbers of people who are struggling with their mental health.”

The emotional flexibility program will be delivered from the Joseph Quinn Center in Byker and will be available to the population in Tyneside and Northhumberland.

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

Brian Beverly, director of well -being and learning of Tyne Housing, said that talking to the local population allowed the program to design it to meet the specific needs of society.

“We listened very carefully about our residents and visitors who all participated in a similar experience of sadness and highlighted a specific gap that was present in mental health services at a time when you need more,” he said.

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