A mum whose friend died in tragic circumstances has launched a series of workshops to encourage men to talk about their feelings.
Nicola Percival said she was "shocked" by the death of St Helens man Lee Leyland, 40, who fell from a footbridge over the East Lancs Road on December 6.
Nicola, who runs The New Clean Lean Fit Food cafe, said her friend's death inspired her to create a place where men could talk honestly about their feelings.
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Nicola, 37, has now hosted a number of successful events at the cafe on Higher Parr Street to encourage local men to talk honestly about the way they feel.
Nicola said: "Lee's death was a terrible shock for everyone who knew him. I would describe him as a confident, happy man who was devoted to his children.
"After we lost Lee I just thought we had to do something as a community to get blokes to talk more about their feelings.
"So we launched the 'safe space' project at the cafe to try and make a difference."
Nicola said she thought there was still a stigma surrounding the subject.
She said: "I just think a lot of men have grown up being told 'not be like a girl' by older relatives who are from a different generation.
"I think that kind of attitude is not at helpful and we need to move on from it. If people need help they need help, simple as that."
Nicola said she had grown up with Mr Leyland.
She said: "We were both part of the same group of friends when we were teenagers. I had known Lee for years and he was one of my best customers at the cafe. He was a fitness fanatic and loved healthy food. "
Nicola said the first session was well attended and the group had taken part in a walk in Sankey Valley Park.
She said she had been helped by Stockbridge Village community worker Tosh Fielding.
She said: "Fortunately Tosh Fielding has offered his support which has been much appreciated. Tosh has lots of experience in the voluntary sector and its great to have him on board."
Nicola said she attended her friend's funeral earlier this week.
She sad: "Lee's funeral took place on Tuesday and there was a massive turn out for him which was only right. I just think if there is anything we can take from this type of tragedy its that we need to change our attitudes to mental health.
"The 'being a girl' thing belongs to the past."
Tributes poured in for Mr Leyland following his death last month.
A friend wrote: "Can’t believe what I’m seeing, I’m in shock, RIP Lee Leyland mate was only speaking a few days ago about your new baby.
"You’ll never walk alone mate absolutely gutted you were the kindest man I knew.
"I always remember when you took me to the Hillsborough memorial at Anfield lad, what a day that was."
Police were called out to a footbridge near Abbey Road at around 10.25am on December 6. Police said that the victim died at the scene.
Police said the death was not believed to be suspicious. A file was sent to the coroner.
Witnesses or individuals with dashcam or other video footage may contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting reference 270 of 6/12 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111."
To get involved in the 'safe space' project go here
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