Andy’s Man Club in Rotherham and Manvers has expanded and opened two new groups due to the number of men coming through the doors and talking about their feelings, issues and mental health.
Founded in 2016 after the tragic loss of 23-year-old Andrew Roberts, Andy’s mother Elaine and brother-in-law Luke wanted to introduce something to help men talk and hopefully stop other families going through the same hell as they did.
The first Andy’s Man Club meeting had nine men turn up… Fast forward to 2024, there are now over 180 groups and an online group, all meeting at 7.00pm on a Monday evening (excluding Bank Holidays) with over 4,500 men coming together to give and receive peer-to-peer support.
Set in a relaxed, safe and confidential space, there’s no therapists or counsellors – just normal blokes that get together each week and basically answer five questions. Three stay the same each week: How’s your week been? What’s the positive from your week? And what’s to get off your chest?
The final couple of questions change each week and are light-hearted questions designed to leave the guys on a positive and usually jovial manner.
There is no pressure to talk. When the talking ball arrives with you, you can either talk, or pass the ball on. There is no judgement, just guys talking and then other guys around the room nodding with them, ensuring no one is alone with their issues.
All groups are free, and although you must be over 18 to attend there is no need to book, refer or register – just turn up on a Monday evening to any group. They all run the same way – the same questions, the same format.
A whole range of men attend – all ages, all backgrounds, one brotherhood. They understand just how daunting it can be for somebody to make that first step through the door, so there are facilitators outside every club to help you through that door, with a smile, and to get you a brew and a biscuit.
A new group has recently opened in the community rooms at Tesco Extra on Drummond Street in the town centre, and another at Wombwell Library. There are now four groups in the Rotherham area.
Rotherham locations are:
- Tesco – Community Rooms, Drummond Street, S65 1HY
What3words: speeds.coffee.saying - The Centre, Brinsworth Lane, Brinsworth, S60 5BU
What3words: pass.actual.analogy - Dearne Community Fire Station, Manvers Way, S63 5DN
What3words: trend.craters.bleaching - Brooklands Club, 110 Rotherham Road, Maltby, S66 8NA
What3words: remaking.package.headsets
For more information visit www.andysmanclub.co.uk or search Andy’s Man Club on Facebook.