It’s Okay To Talk
Presenter: Andy Greenaway, project development champion, Andy’s Man Club
In this session, project development champion Andy Greenaway introduces Andy's Man Club, a group where men can speak openly about their mental health in a judgement-free, non-clinical environment.
ANDYSMANCLUB takes its name from Andrew Roberts who sadly took his own life, aged 23, in 2016. Andy’s family had no inkling that he was suffering or struggling to the extent that he would do this, and, as a result, looked deeper into male suicide and men’s mental health. They soon discovered that suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50, with male mental health surrounded by well-ingrained cultural stigma in the UK. Andy’s mum, Elaine, and brother-in-law, Luke, came up with the idea of ANDYSMANCLUB, a group where men can speak openly about their mental health in a judgement-free, non-clinical environment. Groups now operate nationwide and are completely volunteer-led, with the vast majority of group facilitators having first interacted with ANDYSMANCLUB when they came through the door as a service user. The service is used on a weekly basis by 1,800+ men, and with an army of 500+ volunteers, is continuing to grow every week.
Content warning: this session includes references to suicide, depression, anxiety and mental health challenges
If you or someone you know may need further help, support or advice, visit the ReThink website
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Video time
35 minutes
See more from Men's Health Week 2022
Men’s Health Week at the Virtual Village Hall was dedicated to supporting men’s mental and physical wellbeing. Catch up with TV doctor and mental health campaigner, Dr. Alex George, the Men’s Health Forum, Andy’s Man Club, Mental Health First Aider Rob Stewart, and a team of expert tutors and presenters for supportive sessions, gentle exercise classes and mindful activities.
