The Bridlington Echo is helping – though on-line articles – to overcome the stigma of mental health issues. To mark Mental Health Awareness Week we will feature clubs, groups, individuals and resources who tell their story. We will feature a case study every day this week in the hope it gives the message that help is available…
A club that provides a place for men to come together in a safe and open environment to talk about problems and issues, has attracted dozens of members during the year of its creation.
The Bridlington Andy’s Man Club meets at Bridlington Town’s clubhouse on Queensgate every Monday at 7.pm (except for Bank Holidays).
The group was one of the first affiliated clubs to be formed in the country. There are now almost a hundred clubs based in towns and cities around the UK.
A spokesman said: “The club is open to any man who is aged over 18 and who has been going through a storm or just wants to meet a good group of people.”
“All the clubs run on the same formatted guidelines and encourages men to talk and focus on the positives and on strategies that help an individual move forward.”
“Our motto is – itsokaytotalk, and any man who is having a tough time, for whatever reason, is encouraged to come along for a chat and a brew, or to just listen. They will be made very welcome.”
For further information: www.andysmanclub.co.uk or Facebook: Bridlington Andy’s Man Club.
What is Andy’s Man Club?
‘Andy Roberts was loving and doting father, son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.
He was an all round top guy, one of the truly nicest people.His love for his daughter was inspirational to see and the way he looked at her and idolised her was a blessing. Sadly and tragically without any warning Andrew, at 23 years old, was taken away from all his family and friends by suicide.
On average one man every two hours takes his life in the UK. It’s often said a factor is that men don’t talk. Thats why we were born to break down these stigmas.
At ANDYSMANCLUB you don’t have to be suicidal or have a mental health problem, we just want to get men talking.’ From the club website.
