On Thursday 9th April we warmly welcomed representatives from Andy's Man Club to our Rosehill headoffice.
Led by volunteers Chris Green and Adrian Sweeney, three sessions were held and gave our colleagues a genuine insight into what the club is, what it does, and how it helps thousands of men across the UK.
Not a talk — A positive experience
Right from the outset, Chris and Adrian made one thing clear: this isn’t a motivational talk.
Instead, they described what it really feels like to walk into an Andy’s Man Club session for the first time. That first step through the door? Often the hardest one.
For many, it can feel daunting, uncomfortable, even overwhelming. But it’s also the most important step.
What follows is a format that’s consistent in every one of the 300+ groups across the country — a structure that creates familiarity, safety, and trust.
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It starts simply:
☕ A brew. A chance to settle in.
Then, the group breaks off into smaller circles. At the heart of it are three core questions, shared through a simple but powerful method — pass the ball. When it’s your turn, it’s your space to speak:
What’s your name?
What’s your reason for being here?
How has your week been?
From there, conversations can deepen:
Something positive that’s happened
Anything you need to get off your chest
And importantly — there’s no pressure.
Some men talk. Others don’t say a word. But they listen. And that matters just as much.
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Peer support that makes a difference
One of the most powerful messages shared was this: Andy’s Man Club is all about peer support.
There are no counsellors in the room. No one diagnosing or prescribing. Just people supporting each other, sharing experiences, and offering perspective.
It’s about connection, not correction.
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Lightening the mood
After a coffee break and a chance to mingle, the groups come back together — but this time, things take a lighter turn.
Questions shift to spark laughter and lift spirits:
What superpower would you have?
What’s your favourite biscuit?
Which way should the loo roll go?
It might sound simple, even trivial — but these moments matter. They break tension, raise energy, and remind everyone that it’s okay to laugh, even on tough days.
Leaving lighter than you arrived
Chris and Adrian summed it up perfectly.
You might walk in carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. But after talking, listening, and sharing — whether serious or lighthearted — the hope is that you walk out feeling just that little bit better.
And maybe, just maybe, you come back again the following week.
Real stories, real impact
During the sessions, we also heard a powerful personal story, followed by video accounts from others whose lives have been touched by the club.
These weren’t polished speeches — they were real, raw, and honest experiences. The kind that stay with you long after the room empties.
A growing community
Andy’s Man Club continues to expand, with over 300 groups nationwide, including newer locations and partnerships such as:
Morton Manor in Carlisle - NEW
Eastern Way Fire Service
Carlisle United Community Trust
There are also online groups tailored for different needs — which are ideal for those with disabilities, dads who can't get the kids looked after and those working away from home.
Part of the bigger picture
One message stood out above all:
Andy’s Man Club won’t fix everything.
And it doesn’t claim to.
Instead, it’s one piece of the puzzle — part of a bigger picture when it comes to mental health and wellbeing. A space where men can talk, listen, and feel understood. A place where all the pieces can start to come together.
Final thoughts
The visit to Rosehill wasn’t about telling people what to do. It was about showing what’s possible.
It reminded us that sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is simply talk — or be there to listen.
And that walking through the door, no matter how difficult, could be the start of something better.
Our Gateshead staff will be invited to a similar session in April.
