'Blokes don’t talk enough!' Tom Skinner calls for men to support each other in Essex countryside walks

He explained: “It’s just nice to get blokes out there, supporting each other, putting an arm around one another, getting a bit of fitness, and having a chat if you want to or not."

The walks, which take place every Sunday in Brentwood, are open to all ages and backgrounds.

Mr Skinner stressed that there is “no judgement here” and encouraged anyone struggling with mental health to take part.

Speaking on GB News, the former Apprentice star said: "Listen blokes don’t talk enough to each other. We live in a beautiful part of Essex, Brentwood, with loads of countryside and loads of woods.

"It’s just nice to get blokes out there supporting each other, putting an arm around one another, getting a bit of fitness, walking about, getting a bit of fresh air, and just having a chat, if you want to or not.

“It’s the second event of its kind. We did the first one last Sunday. Around 80 people turned out last week, and a similar number this week.

"It’s a real community you’ve got going on. It’s fantastic, it’s a great turnout, and it’s great to see.

“Look, there’s no judgement here. Anyone can come, from all walks of life, any age. Just come down, enjoy the fresh air. It’s a safe space for anyone, and I’m going to do it every single Sunday.

“Men don’t really seek help. Only about a third of NHS referrals to talking therapies come from men, despite the fact that many more are actually suffering with their mental health.

“Blokes don’t like to talk. We go to work, we try to provide for our families, we do the best we can even with a beer but we don’t talk about our emotions.

"I think men are nervous about letting it out there. If you’re feeling down or upset, or you’ve got a lot on your plate, the best thing is not to bottle it up.

"Don’t let yourself crack six months down the line. Talk to someone,even a stranger on a Sunday morning. Whether it’s your brother, your neighbour, your friend, it doesn’t matter.

“It might take a little bit of time, but you will feel better if you talk about it. There is support there.

“It’s a shocking statistic, but one we’ve heard a lot in recent years, that suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 50.

"It’s a very difficult and touchy subject. I’ve lost friends to suicide many of us have. It’s devastating. It ruins families and ruins lives.

"It’s so sad to think that someone who took their own life might still be here if there had been some support, someone looking out for them.

“I’m not pointing the finger at anyone life is hard, and it’s only going to get tougher this year. If anyone watching this has a small group on a Sunday, go and do it.

"Look after your friends, look after your community. We’re all there for one another. Let’s be there next year, and the year after that, and the year after that. That’s what it’s all about.

“If people want to join in next week, get yourself down to the Thatcher’s Arms in Brentwood, Essex, at 8am. We’re going to go for a lovely stroll through the countryside.

"Bring your dogs, bring your mates whoever. Come down and we’ll shake your hand.”