FORMER Bradford police officer Ben Pearson is teaming up with Luke Ambler, founder of Andy’s Man Club, to raise awareness of men’s mental health.

Their conversation will be streamed live on Facebook on Monday from 12pm and it will remain online to help men, and their loved ones, spot the signs and seek help.

Luke, the former Ireland international and Leeds Rhinos rugby player, set up Andy’s Man Club, after the death of his brother-in-law.

The first Andy’s Man Club meeting in Halifax started with nine men, then 15 the week after. The charity now runs weekly drop-in sessions and has 36 clubs nationwide.

“It takes true courage for a tough man to admit when he’s down,” said Luke.

“I’m looking forward to meeting and chatting to Ben and hope together we can help others out there who are also struggling and need to hear they are not alone.”

Ben, who was a regular on Channel 5 show Police Interceptors, spoke frankly to the Telegraph & Argus last month about his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder after 19 years in the police force - read his story here.

He is now retired and is now an author, motivational speaker and mental health advocate sharing his experiences – the ups and downs of policing, living with PTSD, and coping with the stigma attached to mental illness.

Ben said: “I hope my story and me being as open as I can reaches men out there to know they are not alone and it's not their fault if they suffer with mental health illnesses as it can happen to any of us.

"I'm an example of that. I also feel that working with Luke Ambler and Andy's Man Club will help men - those inside and outside of policing, and their families (and employers) to spot the signs and seek help before it's too late."