A group championing men’s mental health, encouraging them to open up and talk, holds free weekly open-door sessions across East Devon and Exeter.
Andy’s Man Club, a UK-wide men’s suicide prevention charity, provides free, peer-to-peer support groups every Monday at 7pm (excluding bank holidays) at Sidmouth Library, Honiton Library, both in East Devon and in Exeter at Exeter City Football Club, the Phoenix Centre and Wonford community centre.
There is no need to book or cost to attend, men are welcome to just turn up. Andy’s Man Club offers ‘a safe, non-judgemental space where men can talk openly and support one another’.
The sessions are designed to be informal, welcoming, and confidential, allowing men to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable with.
Whether someone is dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or simply needs a space to talk, Andy’s Man Club offers a lifeline. No pressure, no expectations — just a room full of men supporting each other.
Andy’s Man Club is helping to break down the stigma around men’s mental health and encouraging more men to seek support before reaching crisis point, with the simple but vital messages ‘It’s okay to talk’ and ‘talking saves lives’.
Groups are run by trained volunteers, many who have experienced their own challenges and understand first-hand the importance of having someone to talk to.
Simon England, who helps with the group as a South West facilitator, started at Andy’s Man Club after relationship and money issues.
He said: “Andy’s Man Club helped me through a difficult period in my life following a relationship breakdown and financial struggles.
“It was probably the toughest year of my life. I went through times where I was feeling okay kind of back to my normal self, but I had times where I was signed off work,
“I couldn’t get out bed for days on end. I didn’t want to see my children I and I didn’t want them to see me in the way I was. I contemplated a lot of dark thoughts.”
Simon England, pictured, contemplated ‘dark thoughts’ prompting him to seek help from Andy’s Man Club, where he now helps other men struggling with their mental health. Photo: with permission.
Now he helps other men who may be going through similar challenges.
Simon said: “Andy’s Man Club was so welcoming and made me feel safe and secure and was great getting me through the storm that I was going through at the time. I’ve now progressed through Andy’s Man Club to lead facilitator.”
He added: “Andy’s Man Club is built with volunteers who open the doors on a Monday night and welcome people through the doors.
“Everyone in that room has been through the door. Andy’s Man Club saved my life as well as my family, and I am now in a much better place thanks to this.”
A spokesperson for the charity said the club was founded with a ‘simple but vital mission’ to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and reduce male suicide, adding Andy’s Man Club provides ‘a safe, supportive space where men can talk openly without judgement’
The spokesperson said: “What sets Andy’s Man Club apart is its accessibility and community-driven approach. Groups are run by trained volunteers, many of whom have experienced their own challenges and understand first-hand the importance of having someone to talk to. These volunteers open the doors each week, creating an environment where everyone is equal and every voice matters.
“The organisation’s ethos is simple but powerful: ‘It’s okay to talk’. In a society where many men still feel pressure to stay silent about their struggles, Andy’s Man Club is helping to change that narrative — proving that opening up is not a weakness, but a strength, and that talking truly can save lives.”
For more information, or to find your nearest group see here.
