Andys Man Club, the men’s mental health peer to peer group is opening its Ilkley group on the 28th July.
Meeting will take place every Monday, apart from bank holidays, from 7pm to 9pm. The session starts at 7pm but it is encouraged to get there a little earlier for tea coffee biscuits and snacks.
The venue is Abbeyfield Grove House Nursing home on Riddings Road. Abbeyfield can be accessed via a pathway left of the bandstand and parking is away onsite and streets nearby.
Nick Hockney who is leading the Ilkley Group commented:
“I have been involved with Andys Man Club for 18 months and I have been blown away at how effective it is and I have witnessed the incredible difference it has made to peoples lives.
“Mental health affects every demographic, whether someone is homeless or drives a Bentley. Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 54, the stark facts are there is one suicide every 2 hours. We are a suicide prevention charity but the majority of attendees are not suicidal but going through their own storm. For many men it is the start of a journey to deal with issues and to talk about them in a safe non-judgmental environment.”
Andys now has over 300 clubs countrywide and over 6000 men attend each week. Ilkley’s group will cover Ilkley, Addingham, Ben Rhydding, Burley in Wharfedale, Menston and Guiseley. There are other groups available in Skipton, Keighley and Baildon.
Nick added:
“We are extremely grateful for the support of the local community that has enabled us to open this new branch, we are fortunate that the venue is within 5 minutes’ walk of train and bus links.
“Our grateful thanks to Abbeyfield Grove House for hosting us, Ilkley BID who have been supporting us throughout this period and Olicana Lodge who have made us their charity of the year. We have been blown away by the help of the many local businesses and clubs who are helping us to spread awareness.
“You will see on our Facebook site a number of awareness events leading up to the opening day, including a members talk at Ilkley Tennis Club on the 8th July and an awareness stand at Tesco on the 19th July. We know from experience that many men are prompted to come along by their partners, friends, family or colleagues who want to help. We are more than happy to provide awareness sessions for any employer or club who would like to really understand what we do and how it works.
“Whatever someone’s issues are, however small or large you are welcome. It is a big step to come through the door for the first time. You are not alone, I’s okay to talk.”
The Ilkley group's Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577613431118
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