Royal Jubilee recognition for Rochdale volunteer who set up local male mental health charity after losing his dad to suicide

Brad Gartland, 25, who volunteers for male mental health group Andy’s Man Club and founded his own branch in hometown Rochdale, has been selected as a Platinum Champions volunteer as part of an official Jubilee project.

Brad was selected as a Platinum Champion from over 300 people who were nominated in the North West area for their dedication to volunteering. Nationally, he joins a line-up of 490 volunteers.

Brad impressed the judges with his resilience in the face of such personal tragedy, using his experience to give his time to male mental health talking group, Andy’s Man Club, and also founding the Stephen Gartland Foundation in memory of his dad.

He said: "I sadly lost my dad to suicide in 2016, and in his honour was inspired to make a difference and banish the taboo surrounding male mental health. I decided to volunteer at Andy's Man Club – a safe space where men can come to talk about any issues they may face – in the hope that I can do my bit to uplift anyone who may be facing similar difficulties. In 2020, I founded my own branch in Rochdale.

"I dedicate my Platinum Champion award to everyone who has been struggling, feels isolated, and feels like they can’t go on."

The Platinum Champions Awards were initiated by national charity, Royal Voluntary Service and its President, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, in honour of Her Majesty The Queen and the example she has set in 70 years of service.

Together in partnership with The Big Jubilee Lunch, who are also supported by the patronage of HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, the awards celebrate extraordinary volunteers across the UK who are making a difference every day.

A call out inviting the UK to nominate the hero volunteers in their communities led to thousands of nominations being put forward. Nominees were judged on their impact to the lives of others, their dedication to volunteering and on how much they inspire other people. The entries were reviewed by an expert judging panel including volunteering specialists and academics before going on to a second stage of judging to determine the 70 most outstanding volunteers.

The awards, supported by Royal Voluntary Service long-standing partner M&G, were spilt into seven categories: older people and dementia support, children and young people, crisis and welfare, community, mental health and companionship, physical health and disability, and supporting the NHS and social care.

Reflecting the 70 years of Her Majesty’s reign, 70 volunteers were selected across each category, making a grand total of 490 Platinum Champions.

All 490 Platinum Champions will receive a specially designed pin and a signed certificate from HRH The Duchess of Cornwall. Further, the 70 most outstanding volunteers have been invited to celebrate at an official jubilee event, a special edition of The Big Jubilee Lunch, at an exclusive London location on 5 June.

Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service said: “The Platinum Champions Awards have been the perfect opportunity to celebrate the millions of exceptionally generous people who do extraordinary things, every day. Our judging panel rose to the challenge, selecting 490 Platinum Champions from thousands of inspirational stories and dizzying achievements, spanning all corners of the UK.

"We are extremely proud of and grateful to all the Platinum Champions, each one has shown selflessness beyond measure, sheer brilliance and boundless energy. We are thrilled to see so many phenomenal volunteers commended."

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

There are two Rochdale groups: one at Mayfield Sports Centre, Keswick Street, Castleton, OL11 3AG and one at the Our Spot Community Hub at the Crown Oil Arena, Willbutts Lane, Rochdale, OL11 5DS.

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