THE male suicide prevention charity Andy’s Man Club has been expanding in the county and also raising awareness over the past couple of years.
A fundraising ball was thrown by Cumbrian homebuilder Genesis Homes to raise money for it. The event at the Halston in Carlisle was the end of a year of fundraising by the Penrith homebuilder for the charity which recently opened two new clubs – in Wigton and Carlisle.
Chris Green, lead facilitator at the Carlisle branch of the charity, said the awareness of male mental health issues raised by Genesis Homes could save at least one life.
Chris shared with guests at the ball the emotional story of how his son Nicky, affectionately known as ‘Nicky the Bricky’ as he worked in construction, died of suicide at the age of 20.
(Image: Andy’s Man Club)
He said: “We have been so humbled by the amazing generosity of Genesis Homes and its supporters to raise so much money for Andy’s Man Club, which means we can open more clubs and reach more men who are struggling with their mental health.
“But what’s more important to our charity is the amazing awareness Genesis Homes has spread about Andy’s Man Club, and the message about how important it is that men feel they can share their feelings with others without fear of prejudice.”
The Andy’s Man Club sessions run every Monday at various locations across Cumbria.
Since the Carlisle club opened at the beginning of 2024 more than 1,000 men have taken part.
Chris said: “It helps everyone understand that it’s okay to seek help. It’s about breaking down the stigma and getting people talking so people know they are not alone.
“The groups are not just for people thinking about suicide, it’s for lonely people, widowers, people new to the area and wanting to make connections. It helps stop people feeling lonely and it’s not just about men.
“If a man comes to our group on a Monday there might be less pressure in the home. It’s a step in people’s recovery, a baby step.”
He says businesspeople from bank managers and policemen to retail workers come to the groups. “It’s a level playing field, a lot of people don’t say what they do. Some people have good jobs and are struggling, some are out of work.
“Just because a man’s life looks good on paper sometimes you would never think they were struggling… nice house, car, job and they can still have problems.”