A retired police officer who wrote a book talking about her experience being sectioned launches a mental health group for men.

Beck House, 45, of Read, worked for Lancashire Police when she was arrested by her own colleagues after having a mental health crisis six years into her service.

The mum wrote Police to Paranoia, detailing her struggles and recovery journey, which left an impression on many readers and is determined to continue offering support.

Her latest mission to break down stigma surrounding mental health is setting up a peer support group for men at Read Village Hall in January.

Speaking about her S.I.S Strength in Struggles group, Beck said: “I wanted to provide a safe and informal space for men to come along and speak freely about any worries they may have or even to just listen to others and know they are not alone. Joining other men can be a powerful tonic to social isolation.”

Beck’s role as a police officer included attending murder scenes and suicides before moving over to the Public Protection Unit, where she would help vulnerable people.

During this time period, she was also struggling in her own life following the death of her grandmother and breakdown of a relationship, which saw her fall into crisis.

She was prescribed medication by the doctor but it made her suicidal and she ended up suffering a psychotic break.

Beck said: “I’ve always wanted to turn my experience with mental health into something positive and share it with other people.

"I’m hoping that because I’ve gone through the worst, men will feel comfortable turning up because you need that understanding from someone.”

Beck is looking into launching a group for both men and women in the near future but explained that she is focusing on men’s mental health first because of the harrowing statistics.

Three times as many men as women die by suicide yet research shows that 40 per cent of men don’t feel comfortable talking about mental health.

Beck said: “I’ve spoken to people who have lost men to suicide and they want a support group like this in the area because there isn’t anything like this for men in Read.

“The sessions will be led by myself and I aim to provide a respite and safe place for men to discuss how they feel. The group will be confidential and non-judgemental.”

Beck has a qualification in Mental Health First Aid and Safeguarding and will be able to offer information and signpost to relevant agencies.

The S.I.S support group will start on Monday, January 8 from 6pm to 7.30pm. The sessions will be held on the first Monday of every month at Read Village Hall, East View.