Mental
health is still a taboo issue in the UK today. Depression and other
conditions are still rarely discussed outside GP / specialist
surgeries, although they affect 1 in 4 of us in the UK. Suicide is
the leading cause of men under 50, yet most of us are reluctant to
open up about this. Men's support group Andy's Man Club is fighting
to change that, and through encouraging talking, is helping to save
lives.
After
spreading across Yorkshire and into Oldham over the last few years,
Andy's Man Club now opens in the heart of Manchester City Centre
tonight.
At
7pm the first Manchester group will begin their weekly sessions in
Federation House. You can find it down the side of the Printworks,
near the Pilcrow. I'll be there, along with a handful of people from
the Oldham group. There'll be plenty of newcomers too, so we're
expecting mix of experienced and fresh attendees. If you're male,
over the age of 18 and feel it would help, you'll be welcomed to drop
in tonight.
The
group runs on a simple structure nationwide, so no matter what group
you attend, the same questions and time structure will apply. Some of
the questions change each week, but round 1: 'how's your week been?'
and round 3: 'do you have anything to get off your chest' will remain
the same every week.
Sunday
daytime: If you're quick, you might get a place on a game of Exit the Room, featuring 'games where you will
develop and explore new ways of using your brain, explore hidden
capabilities, and meet new challenges as they arise during our
real-life escape games.' Mental health support group Talk About It Mate has
organised the event, and has been prepaid through a voucher. There's
one more space. We're meeting at 11am in Piccadilly Gardens.
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