Simon Webbe opens up about his brother's suicide as he urges fans to 'break the taboo' around mental health

Simon Webbe has opened up about losing his brother to suicide two months ago and encouraged anybody suffering to “be honest and talk”.

Webbe, who is part of boyband Blue, posted a poignant tribute to his late sibling Straon last week, urging people to talk to others and to listen.

And the singer has now spoken about his loss, encouraging people to “stop being afraid” and break the taboo around mental health.

Webbe told OK! magazine: “I’ve actually been off social media until recently because I sadly lost my brother to suicide almost two months ago. It is something that is taboo.

"It’s taught me that people just need to be honest about what they need personally. We need to stop being afraid and stop looking for validation.

"We need to ask people if they are actually okay, start healing and accept who we are, the troubles that we have and talk about it.”

Last Wednesday, the singer posted a photo of his late brother along with a heartfelt and emotional tribute, reiterating his support for mental health awareness.

The 40-year-old wrote: “It’s 2019 and I feel this is a year where we should be thankful, stop searching for perfection cause you will never find it. I lost my brother Straon to suicide while I was working in Bradford!

“He was someone I thought I’d see again and hurts me deep that people, like myself struggle everyday with Mental health issues, it’s taboo and needs to be brought to the forefront, we can all start by asking someone, anyone close to you “ how are you really feeling” after that the key is to listen. Can we start there?”

For confidential support on mental health call the Samaritans on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or attend a local Samaritans branch.