Talking group for men launches at Mayfield Sports Centre

A powerful talking group for men has opened in Rochdale, providing men with a safe space to openly discuss their worries and mental health concerns.

Andy's Man Club is a registered charity in England and Wales and currently has over 900 men attending 28 different groups nationwide. The club was first founded in Halifax by Halifax rugby league player Luke Ambler, in memory of his brother-in-law Andy, to raise awareness of male suicide and work to remove the stigma of depression.

The local group held its first session at Mayfield Sports Centre on Monday 19 October with eight men attending.

Brad Gartland, one of the facilitators for Andy's Man Club Rochdale, said: “In August 2016 my dad, Stephen Gartland, sadly took his own life after a battle with depression. I wish he had had the opportunity to go to one of these groups, and he may still be here today. I want everyone to know that you are loved, and that you are important.”

Data from the Office of National Statistics reveals that in 2019 the male suicide rate for England and Wales was the highest it has been for two decades, with around three-quarters of registered suicide deaths among men (4,303 deaths compared with 1,388 female deaths). The highest age-specific suicide rate was of men between the ages of 45 to 49 years.

Brad added: “You can come along, have a chat, or just listen. This is a place where there is no judgement, and no pressure to talk. We cannot wait to welcome new faces through the door.

“We have successfully piloted our Covid policies and new ways to hold in person meeting and are really excited to carry this out in the safest way possible. Thank you to everyone at Rochdale Mayfield ARLFC for providing us with brilliant facilities.

“We would also like to thank everyone who has been sharing the And'ys Man Club Rochdale page on Facebook, as you are really helping to get our key message out there - #ITSOKAYTOTALK.

“And thank you to Morrisons Rochdale for providing us with cleaning supplies, face masks, and chocolates, helping to keep everyone safe at Andy's Man Club Rochdale.” 

 

 

The group will run every Monday (except bank holidays) from 7pm - 9pm at Mayfield Sports Centre, Keswick Street, Castleton, OL11 3AG.

If you would like to attend, please email info@andysmanclub.co.uk or message the Facebook page www.facebook.com/Andys-Man-Club-Rochdale-112828153933273/

Upcoming dates for Andy's Man Club Rochdale:

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/Andys+Man+Club