Today marks the beginning of Men's Health Week. Men's Health Week gives us the opportunity to raise awareness and promote better health among men. One of the key issues that needs to be highlighted during this important week is mental health. Mental health issues do not discriminate, yet men in particular face unique challenges. Society has long perpetuated a stereotype of men, often equating vulnerability with weakness. That dangerous misconception can prevent men from seeking the help that they need, leading to silent suffering and tragically, in many cases, to suicide.

Suicide remains the leading cause of death among men under the age of 50 and young people aged 15 to 29. Sadly, the suicide rate for men in Northern Ireland remains alarmingly high. According to statistics from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), in 2022, there were 203 recorded suicides. A significant majority — three in four — of those deaths were men, which highlights the critical nature of male mental health.

During this Men's Health Week, we must advocate for more open conversations about mental health. Normalising the discussion can dismantle the stigma and encourage those in need to seek help without fear or shame. If you or someone you know is struggling, it is vital to reach out. You can do so without fear or shame: seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but, indeed, a brave and necessary step towards recovery and well-being.

There are many organisations out there. This week and right throughout the year, they will be highlighting the many issues affecting men. Organisations include the Men's Action Network in my constituency and the Men's Advisory Project, but there are many others that do fantastic work in those areas. They need sustainable funding in order to be able to continue carrying out that work. I therefore call on the Minister of Health to prioritise mental health as a key area to be addressed.

Unfortunately, other serious issues predominantly affect men, such as prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease, which is a key issue. Cancer awareness is another issue to be addressed. In this Men's Health Week, I urge people to reach out and support such organisations, which are carrying out vital work.