A Suffolk man who came close to throwing himself off the Orwell Bridge has sent a heartfelt message to mark the kindness theme during national Mental Health Awareness Week.

Insurance advisor Connor Sams' wrote a powerful personal testimony describing how he was driven to despair but was prevented from committing suicide and that in turn helped dozens of people get in touch with and mental health professionals to seek support.

Here Connor, who has suffered the loss of a close family member, recently sends this message, with the link to his original article published in full underneath.

"We find ourselves now in one of the most challenging times of our lives. The entire planet has all but stopped.

We recognise now that heroes are not those in marvel movies or celebrities. They are our essential workers. Our NHS. Our carers. Our teachers. Our delivery drivers. Our shop assistants. And so many more.

Ordinary people, unknown to those with riches, are displaying acts of such genuine kindness.

They are helping the vulnerable. They are supporting our frontline. They are organising social events through technology, keeping us connected. They are making us laugh online through these unprecedented times.

But we cannot avoid the horror that is currently facing our world. Due to covid-19, hundreds of thousands of people have lost their lives already.

For too many people, this repugnant illness has already cruelly taken their own family members or friends. Sadly this number is going to grow, and as we stay locked in, separated and in some cases, alone, other invisible illnesses threaten the lives of those we love.

This week is mental health awareness week. This year, perhaps more than ever, it is vital that we show our support to anybody that is struggling. It can be very easy to forget that your apparently funny written words on someone's post is not always too clearly a joke.

Sometimes a cry for help is an obscure post or just a message of "hey." I urge everyone reading this to remember to check in with those you love.

Spread kindness in any way you can. And watch out for the signs. Show them you are there for them now. It's no good telling your loved one you were there for them at their funeral.

If you are struggling, please reach out. Just because people might not physically be with you right now, it does not mean that they are not there for you. Help is out there. You can do this

And to everyone, stay safe, and #BeKind"

Read Connor's story here Driven to Despair

Mental Health Awareness Week - kindness theme