A local publican is helping to spearhead a community initiative to encourage people with mental health problems to seek help.

As a reaction to what he described as ’an alarming increase’ in suicide rates, particularly amongst young men, Andy Saunders, the landlord of Quids Inn, on Douglas promenade, has encouraged people to ’start a conversation’ to help people in need.

He has helped to create beer mats emblazoned with the logo ’Start a conversation-If you think a friend needs your help, they probably do. Reach Out’, along with advice and phone numbers for organisations for people to contact if they feel they need to talk to someone.

He is also helping to organise a series of music concerts and events to encourage people to get together and generate a sense of community spirit.

Andy was led to create the initiative after a well-known and popular man took his own life last year.

’A young fella killed himself, and it sparked a lot of very deep and dark times for people, many of who come in here for a pint,’ said Andy.

’It was a heartbreaking time for a lot of people, and a lot of people were really shaken up by it.

’It made me realise the scale of the problem on the island. I would say that, since that time, I have lost seven people who come to this pub to suicide.

’Someone said to me that, if you are sitting at a bar when you are feeling really down, and there is a phone number staring back at you, maybe it would make a difference.

’I thought that it was such a good idea, and an easy idea too, that I approached the Licence Victuallers Association andHeron and Brearley, who both thought it was a good idea and have agreed to help.’

The beer mats have the contact numbers for both the Crisis Line, which can offer guidance and advice for treatment, and the Samaritans.

’Since we came up with this idea, people who come in here seem to want to talk openly a bit more.

’That’s a great thing because that’s what we want, for people to talk.’

Andy is planning a day of music in April to help raise awareness and funds for mental health charities.

’We are holding a "band-a-thon" here at Quids Inn, as we have had an idea to hold a few fundraising events, and every single musician we have spoken to have said that they’ll help,’ said Andy.

’We are having a day, on Saturday, April 25, in Douglas and any venues that want to be involved can join in.

’We want to have a fluid night, where people can move from place to place, and we can say that the conversation is in Douglas tonight.

’I want to hold them all over the island too, and we are planning the next one for Ramsey at the end of May.

’It is about community, and we want people to be able to go around and feel like they are welcome.’

For more information about the ’Start a Conversation’ initiative or the related events, contact Andy through the Original Quids Inn Facebook page.

by Mike Wade

Twitter:@iomnewspapers