A men’s suicide prevention charity has expanded its reach in the North East.
Andy’s Man Club was set up following the death of 23-year-old Andy Roberts who sadly took his own life in 2016. The charity was started with the aim of giving men over the age of 18 a free and safe space to talk about their mental health in a non-clinical environment. Described as a place where men don’t have to battle to be heard, they aim to help men speak up to reduce the male suicide rate
Michael Chapplow, project development champion and facilitator of the Sunderland group said: “We have the highest rate of male suicide in the North East and in general, men still don’t talk. We need somewhere to go where we can open up, where we can speak, and somewhere that we’re not going to upset members of our family and our loved ones”.
At the meetings, men are asked five questions a week and aren’t pressured to answer if they don’t feel comfortable. In joining local groups, members can discuss struggles they may be facing, such as unemployment, divorce or health concerns. The charity are keen to reach as many men as possible and are encouraging anyone who feels they may benefit to come along to one of their Monday meetings, held weekly except for bank holidays.
Offering tea, biscuits and friendship, over 100 branches all over the UK help 1800 men. Their most recent North East addition is in Washington and is supported by Nissan, who have offered an available space for the meetings. There are also groups in Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, South Shields and Horden.
