Andy’s Man Club mark one year with the Tigers
Monday marked the anniversary of Castleford Tigers Foundation’s link-up with open talking group Andy’s Man Club, where the sessions have grown exponentially in its mission to battle the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
Monday marked the anniversary of Castleford Tigers Foundation’s link-up with open talking group Andy’s Man Club, where the sessions have grown exponentially in its mission to battle the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
The sessions take place every Monday at The Mend-A-Hose Jungle from 7pm and offers a safe space for attendees to discuss their own personal issues, no matter how big or small.
Over the past 12-months the collaboration between the charity and the Tigers Foundation has gone from strength to strength, with participant numbers growing from 6 people to a now regular number of over 30 men visiting every week.
A number of Andy’s Man Club facilitators have also partnered with Cas’ Physically Disability Rugby League team, one of whom Richard Fisher outlined how the partnership and playing rugby again has vastly improved his self-esteem.
“I was told I would never be able to play rugby ever again after snapping my LCL and then being involved in a car crash which fractured my kneecap. It was heartbreaking but getting the opportunity to come down and play with the PDRL team meant I could do what I love.
“Without Andy’s Man Club I wouldn’t be here today, and it’s saved me no end. I enjoy facilitating for them and bringing new people in. Being able to play PDRL alongside it, my morale has gone from low to massive.”
Sadly, the biggest killer of men under the age of 50 in the UK is suicide, and Welfare Manager at the Tigers Keith Lambeth affirmed just how important having a non-judgmental environment is for men in Castleford to voice their concerns.
“Andy’s Man Club is a way of helping people to start expressing their feelings and their thoughts so that it doesn’t progress into a more serious problem.
“The more people talk about things, the better they will feel. Some issues can be really difficult, then they can be pointed in the right direction. At the present time, it is fairly difficult for people to get into mental health services and it’s a good community strategy.”
For more information about Andy’s Man Club Castleford, please email info@andysmanclub.co.uk if you would like to attend or have any further enquiries.