More men across South Yorkshire will be able to access free peer-led support thanks to the launch of two new Andy’s Man Club groups.
The men’s suicide prevention charity will now have seven groups across Rotherham and Barnsley. Nationally, there are around 180 groups, having increased significantly in recent years since the charity launched in 2016.
In Rotherham, there are four groups including the new Rotherham Central group at launched at Tesco Drummond Street on 12th February. The other three established groups are at The Centre Brinsworth, Brooklands Club in Maltby and Manvers Community Fire Station.
In Barnsley, a third group launches on 11th March at Wombwell Library. The other two are at Honeywell Sports Centre and Library @ The Lightbox in the town centre.
All clubs meet at 7pm each Monday. They’re a chance for men to talk about any storms they’re currently going through or ones that are brewing. But there’s no pressure to talk; it’s just as okay to listen to others.
There’s no referral, no registration, no charge, no judgement, no counsellors. Just normal blokes with normal lives meeting up for a brew and a biscuit.
It’s all about ending the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. On average one man every two hours takes his life in the UK. It’s often said to be a factor that men don’t talk. That’s why Andy’s Man Club was started by Luke Ambler, whose brother-in-law died by suicide.
They now have over 4,300 men attending nationwide each week. But there is still a way to go.
If you’re a man over 18 and want to get stuff off your chest, have some company, and even have a laugh or two, all it takes is that first step through the door.
Find your nearest group at www.andysmanclub.co.uk
