Andy’s Man Club, a mental health charity dedicated to supporting men, is expanding its reach across north-east England to address the rising demand for mental health support. Established in 2016 in memory of Andy Roberts, who tragically took his own life at the age of 23, the organization has grown significantly, now boasting over 270 groups nationwide.
This is the gift that their unique charity gives the world – a safe space for men to express how they feel, without fear of judgment. To overcome geographic constraints, we conduct several weekly cohort sessions through a regional hub-and-spoke model. Our Beacon of Light in Sunderland has been a particular beacon, including regularly welcoming up to 40 participants. This figure almost doubles the £442 national average across the UK. It illustrates both the deep, authentic engagement with community members and the clear need for this life-saving support service.
To meet this need that is clearly on the rise, Andy’s Man Club is expanding its provision across Wearside and County Durham. Two new sessions will start this month in Gilesgate and Houghton-le-Spring. Michael Chapplow, the North East area lead for the club, explains just how life-changing these sessions can be.
“It’s life changing, I know men who are still here today because of these groups and I know that my life has been forever changed by coming to the sessions.” – Michael Chapplow
The club’s members tell stories that serve as inspiration to all. For Lee Binyon, a 31-year-old from Sunderland, it’s made him feel like he can talk now, after sitting in meetings and feeling at ease to speak. He really enjoys the mix of earnest discussions about religion, healthcare and farming, mixed with just regular camaraderie and humor.
“It’s not just a pity party, that’s what I like about it. We can talk about serious things and share the load, but we also have a laugh.” – likely Lee Binyon or another member
He remembers how he had struggled with debilitating social anxiety prior to getting involved in the meetings. He attributes Andy’s Man Club as an important catalyst in helping him move past those struggles.
“Before coming to the meetings I dealt with crippling social anxiety and this is the single best thing I’ve done to overcome it.” – Michael Chapplow
Andy’s Man Club is taking the necessary and tangible steps to expand its service. Most importantly, it seeks to provide a safe space for more men to open up about their experiences and seek assistance. The charity’s mushrooming popularity has caused some growing pains. This further points to the critical need for mental health resources tailored for men, fostering individual resilience and deepening bonds within communities.
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