Tributes have poured in for a "well-respected" and "much-loved" Ipswich bar manager as friends and family seek to raise awareness of men's mental health.

Sean Watkins was 37 years old when he died by suicide on Friday, September 16.

He leaves behind three young boys, five siblings, his mother and his father.

"Everyone loved Sean," said his sister, Nichola Ball. 

"He touched so many people's lives and hearts. 

"Everyone is going to miss him sorely."

Sean was general manager at the popular Ipswich venue Bar Twenty One on St Nicholas Street.

Born and raised in the town, as a young boy he faced struggles at school and left without any qualifications. 

However, his father owned the popular Belstead Arms on Radcliffe Drive and, following the purchase of another establishment, management of the property went to Sean.

"He grew up in that pub," said Nichola.

"That probably had quite an impact on him and informed his decision to eventually enter that industry.

"He loved working in hospitality."

Sean soon decided to follow one of his brothers, Malcolm, to the Greek island of Kos, where he worked as a DJ for a number of nightclubs.

He quickly developed a strong reputation across the area as a likeable and popular figure.

After a number of years, he eventually decided to return to Ipswich.

"When he came back, he worked so hard and really built his career from nothing," said his sister.

"He left school with no qualifications but made his way up to general manager. 

"Everyone in the family was so proud of him."

Those who knew Sean described him as a happy, bubbly character who always had a smile on his face.

When he died in September, both his family and his friends say it came as a huge shock.

Nichola said: "We had no idea it was going to happen.

"There were no signs and we always thought he was happy. 

"But as they say, a smile can hide a million tears.

"Men need to know they can talk and it's so important to raise awareness of male mental health.

"Doing so can save lives."

Sean's funeral will take place on November 7 and a special event on Sunday will see friends and family gather at Bar Twenty One to pay tribute to him. 

50% of the proceeds raised from ticket sales will be donated to Samaritans.

A GoFundMe page has also been set up to pay for a memorial Sean's children can visit when they are older.

Once enough money has been raised for the site, any additional donations will also be donated to Samaritans. 

Nichola finished by saying: "It's been touching to see how many people have either donated or said such wonderful things about my brother.

"It's clear how many people's lives he touched and what a positive impact he had.

"He was so loved by so many and he will be sorely, sorely missed."