Children’s Halloween party raises vital funds for men’s mental health support group

Date published: 02 November 2021

A children’s Halloween party at Empire has raised almost £200 for a local men’s mental health support group.

Forty-five children donned scary costumes for the three-hour party on Wednesday 27 October, with prizes for the best-dressed and other party games, such as ‘hunt the sweeties’, pop the balloons and making their own toffee apples.

The Halloween party, hosted by the Brass Knuckle Riders motorcycle group, raised £188.50 for Andy’s Man Club Rochdale, which provides a safe space for men in need, organising group sessions for men to meet and talk about issues or problems they may be facing or have faced.

The local Andy’s Man Club is run by Brad Gartland, who also set up the Stephen Gartland Foundation in 2017 after his father took his own life.

Brad said: "Thank you so much to Brass Knuckle Riders for their kind donation and continued support to Andy’s Man Club. It’s great to have two key groups in the Rochdale community working together to raise awareness for mental health.

"This raised awareness helps to create an environment across Rochdale where people feel more at ease to open up. The Brass Knuckle Riders' donation plays an important role to keep Andy’s Man Club running, providing safe environments for men to speak."

Andy’s Man Club is a registered charity in England and Wales and runs every Monday (except bank holidays) from 7pm - 9pm at Mayfield Sports Centre, Keswick Street, Castleton, OL11 3AG.

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