Andy Beattie, a facilitator at Andy’s Man Club in Broxburn, West Lothian, wants men in the area to know that there is a safe space for them to open up and seek help. He shared how he has seen men come to the club broken and in tears, only to gradually improve each week and regain their confidence. The club offers a judgement-free environment where men can talk about their struggles without fear.
The club was founded in memory of Andrew Roberts, who tragically took his own life at the age of 23. Andy mentioned that the club sees an increase in attendance during the darker months of winter and towards Christmas, with last year’s Christmas meetup in Broxburn having 39 attendees. To accommodate the growing numbers, the club has opened a new location in Kirkliston to offer support to more men in the area.
Andy emphasized that the club is open to anyone aged 18 and over, and attendees do not need to register or book a space. They can simply show up at any of the clubs for a 7pm start and be welcomed by facilitators who ensure confidentiality and a safe space for sharing. The clubs also provide free tea, coffee, and biscuits for attendees to enjoy during the sessions.
He highlighted the positive changes he has witnessed in men who have attended the club, from leaving the house and going on holiday again to realizing they are not alone in their struggles. The transformation from tears to laughter is what motivates Andy and the other facilitators to continue their important work in supporting men’s mental health.
For those interested in joining Andy’s Man Club, they can visit the website and put in their location to find the closest club. The club’s focus on providing a non-judgmental and confidential space for men to talk about their mental health struggles has been instrumental in helping many individuals in the community.
