This weekend, a group of Labour MPs will undertake a poignant walking challenge to mark 'Blue Monday' and confront the stark reality of men's mental health in the UK. The '4.5k Your Way' initiative, taking place across the country, symbolises the 4.5-year gap in life expectancy between men and women, a statistic driven in part by a devastating suicide rate.
Walking in Memory and for Change
The challenge is deeply personal for many participants. David Burton-Sampson, the MP for Southend West and Leigh, will walk in Belfairs Woods, Essex, in memory of a close friend who took his own life last year, just two days before his birthday. "My friend was a bubbly, charismatic, full-of-life person in his mid-30s," David says. "The impact has been devastating. His story is just one of many."
The figures are alarming: men accounted for three out of four suicides in 2023, making it the leading cause of death for men under 54. As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on suicide and mental health, Burton-Sampson is using the walk to promote the government's new mental health strategy and push for better prevention.
A National Effort for Conversation
From Livingston in Scotland to Portsmouth in the south, MPs will join constituents to cover the symbolic distance by foot, bike, or wheelchair. Amanda Martin, MP for Portsmouth North, is taking part for the men in her own family and in memory of a young wrestler, a friend of her son, who died by suicide.
"We know men are more likely to struggle in silence," Martin states. "Even if one man from this walk, or a man who sees the photos, reaches out for support, it will have been worth it. Help can be as simple as a conversation." She also highlights the construction industry, which has the highest suicide rate of any profession – around four times the national average.
The campaign, coordinated with groups like The Dad Shift, aims to transform Blue Monday – the third Monday in January, often labelled the year's most depressing day – into a moment for community and connection. George Gabriel, co-founder of The Dad Shift, shared his own tragic motivation: he learned of his childhood best friend's suicide while walking with his baby son.
Breaking Down Barriers to Support
The MPs emphasise that the crisis cuts across all backgrounds. David Burton-Sampson notes the heightened risks within the LGBTQ+ community, while Amanda Martin stresses that improving men's mental health benefits everyone. "This is not just about men. Girls need good dads and good uncles and brothers. This is about healthy relationships," she says.
The core message is one of hope and actionable change. "Suicide doesn't have to happen. It's preventable," insists Burton-Sampson. The 4.5k walks, often ending in local pubs, are designed to get communities talking openly, challenging the stigma that prevents men from seeking help.
If you are struggling, the Samaritans offer free, confidential support 24/7 on 116 123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org.
