A second Andy's Man Club mental health support group to run from Crown Oil Arena

A second Andy’s Man Club mental health support group for men has been set up in Rochdale at the Crown Oil Arena (as of Monday 14 February).

Part of a national effort, the first local club was established at Mayfield Sports Centre in October 2020 by Brad Gartland, the eldest son of the late rugby player and coach, Stephen Gartland, who took his own life in 2016.

Brad has been involved with Andy’s Man Club since then; the club organises group sessions for men to meet and talk about issues or problems they may be facing or have faced.

Due to so many men attending the Monday night meetings at Mayfield, a second venue will now host Andy’s Man Club the same night at the Crown Oil Arena.

 

 

Brad said: "When Andy's Man Club Rochdale first opened, we had fewer than 10 blokes turn up. Since then we have had hundreds upon hundreds of men walk through the door at their lowest, listen, talk, and gain perspective.

"These men have since grown in confidence, developed a network of support, and some have become facilitators to help and inspire men in similar situations.

"This second group opening just shows how many men in Rochdale want to talk and it’s an absolute testament to the town's approach to mens’ mental health. Thank you to everyone for turning up to Andy’s Man Club sessions, promoting Andy’s Man Club, and for letting people know that it’s okay to talk.

"We are very positive about the future and can’t wait to welcome more men through the door. You can turn up at either location and there will be amazing facilitators welcoming you at either venue. If you’ve not been for a while, if you’re new, or if you’ve been coming every week, you now have two venues to choose from on a Monday and you’re very welcome to attend.

"No matter of background, experiences, job title, house size, if you’re an athlete, we’re all human. We can all go through struggles and it’s important that we talk about them. Thank you to Rochdale Mayfield and everyone at the Crown Oil Arena for their support. We wouldn’t be in this position without them."

In the months after his death, Brad launched the Stephen Gartland Foundation in his father’s memory, to encourage men to speak out about their problems, but to also give back some of his father’s generosity to the local community, carrying on his legacy.

The foundation, also known as SG6, also aims to contribute towards Andy’s Man Club.

Charlotte Griffiths, health and inclusion coordinator at Rochdale AFC Community Trust said: “Last Monday saw 66 men attend the Mayfield venue, to chat in a safe space about anything going on in their life – no matter how big or small; with 26 of them attending for the first time. We’re really pleased to be able to offer the opportunity for even more men to talk, without judgement.”

Andy’s Man Club runs every Monday from 7-9pm every Monday (except Bank Holidays) and is open to any male aged 18+.

The group currently meets at Mayfield Sports Centre, Keswick Street, Castleton, OL11 3AG and will also meet in the Our Spot Community Hub at the Crown Oil Arena, Willbutts Lane, Rochdale, OL11 5DS from Monday 14 February.

If you would like to attend Andy’s Man Club, please email info@andysmanclub.co.uk or message the Facebook page.