With groups up and down the country, Andy’s Man Club tackles men’s mental health, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online.
Meetings held in the HUB at the SMH Group Stadium are overseen by Richard Newton, supporting many individuals in the local community.
Richard explained the importance of the group, saying: “The target is to have one within easy access to every man in the country. They come for one reason and one reason only, it works.
“There are people who’ve been in very dark places and are now in a situation where they feel that they can cope with every day. It’s down to talking to complete strangers in a room, sat in a circle and drinking tea and biscuits.
“All the venues are neutral so people are more relaxed in there, not nervous about coming in or don’t have views about coming in.
“It’s an environment where people do talk a bit more and have that community together and it’s a great location to be in. The facilities are great and it’s nice to be there.
“The hardest thing in the world is to come in for the first time and walk through those doors. But when you do come down on a Monday night, we’re stood outside to greet you to ease you in.”
Urging those in need to attend, Richard added: “You’re in a room where people are all the same. They all have the same kind of issues and they want to get better, they want to feel better.
“Talking to a group of people who, at first you don’t know, you are able to release that burden off your shoulders and see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“It is definitely worth coming down. It is non-judgmental. You do not have to speak. You can come literally for your first session and sit and listen.”
Richard reiterated the difference he has seen it make to individuals who had been struggling, saying: “There’s a lot of people who use the phrase, ‘the sky is now blue’.
“Me personally, I’ve learned a lot about myself with regard to how I’ve hidden things from myself. I’ve not recognised the signs and it’s made me a better person.
“Because of it, I became a facilitator to give back to the charity and help them run as they are.
“Sometimes just having that chat, getting the stuff off your chest is an amazing relief and you’ll feel better.
“It doesn’t have to be that you’re suicidal or that you’re in a very dark place. It might be the fact that you’re going through something personal or something at work. It just leaves you that facility to get things off your chest.”
The meetings are on Monday evenings, from 6:30 to 9pm, in the HUB at the SMH Group Stadium and there are no fees or details needed from those in attendance.
To find out more about Andy’s Man Club, please click on the link below:
