The inspirational men who are making a difference to Manchester’s mental health

We spoke to Dan Rowe, one of the co-founders of Andy’s Man Club to discuss the mental health challenges facing Manchester residents and how Andy’s Man Club are helping.

Discover how this community-led initiative is changing lives, one Monday night at a time, by creating safe spaces for men to open up and find the support they need.

It’s clearly a cause close to Dan’s heart, from both personal experience and his involvement with Andy’s Man Club.

Andy’s Man Club

He passionately articulated the need for safe spaces where men can open up about their mental health struggles and seek help.

The organisation, which currently boasts 154 clubs across the UK, plays a pivotal role in providing essential support through its weekly Monday night meetings.

Dan Rowe’s insights shed light on various aspects of Andy’s Man Club and its significant impact on men’s mental health.

Founded in 2016 in Halifax, West Yorkshire, the organisation was born out of a tragic incident—an unfortunate suicide that claimed the life of a 23-year-old.

The Growth of Andy’s Man Club

Since then, the charity has been on a steady growth trajectory, with the primary mission of preventing suicides among men by creating a supportive environment where they can freely discuss their concerns and challenges.

Reflecting on the expansion of the organisation, Dan said: “We had the initial target of establishing ten clubs within five years.

“Recently, we celebrated the opening of our 50th club, and now, after just over seven years, we have 154 clubs open across the UK.

“I think this just showcases the scale of the problem in society, and how we all need to work together to help people going through a difficult patch.”

Andy’s Man Club – Emirates Old Trafford

The impact of Andy’s Man Club is set to expand further, with the upcoming launch of their 11th club in Greater Manchester,  in Old Trafford at the cricket ground, scheduled for the 13th of November.

The Monday night meetings organised by Andy’s Man Club have seen consistent growth, with an average of over 3,000 attendees across all their clubs in the UK.

“Our numbers rise pretty much every week,” Mr. Rowe observed, attributing this encouraging trend to several factors.

“The normalisation of men seeking help, word-of-mouth recommendations, and community encouragement have all contributed to making mental health support more accessible”, Dan added.

In addition to the remarkable efforts of Andy’s Man Club, the organisation collaborates with local organisations and charities.

They provide signposting and referrals, enabling men to access various mental health services.

Dan emphasised the importance of encouraging attendees to seek professional help when needed.

He underscored the role of peer support within the club and how it complements the broader spectrum of mental health services available.

To those who may be hesitant to attend a meeting, he offers words of encouragement: “What do you have to lose in giving it a chance?

“Two hours on a Monday night could change your life.

“You’ll find empathy, support, and people who’ve all been in your shoes.”

The essence of Andy’s Man Club’s approach is to create a non-judgmental and supportive space where men can open up about their struggles and know they are not alone.

In addition to fostering peer support, the organisation actively encourages individuals to explore professional counselling and clinical support, recognising that mental health challenges vary in nature and severity.

Seeking help from doctors, counsellors, and therapists is an essential step toward recovery for many.

For those who want to learn more about Andy’s Man Club and its activities, the official website is a valuable resource.

You can visit their website by clicking here.

There, you can find comprehensive information about the organisation, including details on club locations, meeting schedules, and the various support services they offer.

The story of Andy’s Man Club is one of hope, resilience, and the power of community support.

In an era where acknowledging one’s mental health challenges is increasingly encouraged, organisations like Andy’s Man Club are crucial in creating safe spaces for men to discuss their issues openly.

The journey of Andy’s Man Club, from its humble beginnings to a vast network of clubs spanning the UK, is a testament to the amazing things that can happen if we look out for each other.

The real triumph lies in its ability to change lives, to provide men with the tools they need to confront their mental health challenges and to foster a sense of belonging.

Andy’s Man Club goes beyond statistics and figures—it touches the very core of human experiences.

One of the key factors behind the club’s growth is its ability to normalise conversations about men’s mental health. In a society that often expects men to be stoic and unemotional, Andy’s Man Club provides an alternative narrative.

It offers men a space where vulnerability is not seen as a weakness but as an essential step toward healing.

While the organisation’s progress is impressive, Dan Rowe acknowledges that the biggest challenge remains awareness.

Despite their widespread presence, many people, even in the Greater Manchester area, where the clubs have been established for some time, are still unaware of the existence of Andy’s Man Club.

Andy’s Man Club’s commitment to encouraging men to seek professional help when necessary is a testament to their holistic approach.

They are an inspiring example of a community-led initiative that addresses a pressing issue: men’s mental health.

Through its growth and success, the club has proven that, by normalising conversations around mental health and providing a supportive environment, it can make a significant difference in the lives of many.

You can find your nearest group here

If you are having a mental health crisis and need help – please try the following numbers

Greater Manchester Mental Health: 0800 953 0285

Samaritans: 116 123

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 0800 689 5652.

Crisis Point: 0161 238 5149