William's suicide hub visit 'will save men's lives'

A visit by the Prince of Wales to a new suicide prevention centre for men will "one million per cent" help to save lives, a service user has said.

Prince William spoke to men who have struggled with their mental health while at the newly-opened James' Place in Newcastle on Tuesday.

Dean Stewart, 31, from Gateshead, told the royal visitor how he had struggled with thoughts of self-harm after he dealt with a gambling addiction, and said the visit would help to publicise the centre's work.

Earlier, the prince also visited an Earthshot Prize finalist firm which makes low-carbon construction materials in Seaham, County Durham.

James' Place is the third centre to be opened by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley, following the death of their son James.

The Newcastle University student took his own life aged just 21 after he was unable to find the urgent help he needed to deal with his suicidal thoughts.

Ms Milford Havensaid: "We want men to know that there is help out there and it's not a weakness to look for help - actually it's a strength."

Mr Stewart said James' Place had helped him so much in just four months that he was now studying to become a counsellor.

He added: "The Prince of Wales coming up means a lot more men will come through the doors rather than doing themselves harm."

• If you've been affected by issues in this report there is help and support at BBC Action Line

Tyrone O'Neill, 26, praised the speed of the centre's response when he found himself in need of help.

He said: "[My friend] passed my details on to James' place, this was at 5pm on a Tuesday.

"I actually got the call from James' Place the next morning."

Earlier in the day, Prince William donned a lab coat and joined staff at Low Carbon Materials, in Seaham, County Durham.

There he learned how to make and test carbon-negative concrete samples for the construction industry using a material called Osto.

He met officials from National Highways, a partner of the firm, and spoke to investors and board members.

During the meeting, Prince William joked the company should say "there'll be no more potholes", adding: "Potholes are the bane of everyone's life."

Follow BBC North East on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].