By John Prince
Andy’s Man Club, which has more than 350 groups that help support thousands of men across the UK, is opening in Hornsea later this month.
In February, the Gazette reported that the club was looking for a venue to fill a gap for men in the town, so they wouldn’t have to travel too far if they wanted to go along.
It was announced this week that after a six-month search, the groups will be held at the Hornsea Inshore Rescue station on the seafront.
Andy’s Man Club provides free weekly peer-to-peer confidential support groups where men can talk openly about whatever they’re struggling with – whether that be mental or sexual health, stress, grief, relationships, work pressure, or anything else.
They meet on Monday nights and are open to men over 18. Men can just walk in, have a brew, biscuit and a chat with no judgement with like-minded men.
They are run by trained volunteers in a non‑clinical and non‑judgmental setting, providing a safe space to talk.
The core mission is to reduce male suicide, which is the leading cause of death for men under 54 in the UK.
Josh Anderson (above) is Andy’s Man Club’s area lead for Hull and the East Riding.
He said: “Hornsea Inshore Rescue is an independent charity, so I thought there was no better place than where two charities are working alongside one another.
“I understand there is a Men in Sheds in Hornsea. We are separate, but that being said if people want to come to us, and also to Men in Sheds because they want some additional support and something more hands-on, then I can recommend them.
“We provide a safe space and peer-to-peer support. Working together would be the aim for us.
“Across the UK there’s a mental health epidemic. When I look at seaside towns that are only busy for say five months a year, and people are having to travel out of town to find work and unemployment rates are a bit higher, mental wellbeing is often lower.
“The nearest Andy’s Man Club to Hornsea is 30 minutes away in either Withernsea, Beverley or Bridlington. The idea is to plug that gap and open it up to villages on the outskirts as well.
“When men come along they can expect an Andy’s Man Club volunteer to welcome them at the door, a friendly face and a smile, and a handshake or a hug if they need it.
“It is ok to talk about whatever there is to talk about. It’s about encouraging blokes to take off what I call that mask of vulnerability. There are some topics that men aren’t comfortable talking about.
“We aren’t trying to fix anyone, we’re there to deliver hope.”
The opening night will be at Hornsea Inshore Rescue on Monday, June 29 at 7pm.
Sessions will then be every Monday except bank holidays between 7pm and 9pm, but Josh recommends arriving a bit earlier.
Further information can be found at andysmanclub.co.uk, or email them on [email protected]