WE’RE HERE FOR YOU.
At ANDYSMANCLUB, we want to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and create a judgment-free, confidential space where men can be open about the storms in their lives. We aim to achieve this through weekly, free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups for men aged over 18. Watch the video below to find out why.
#ThatOneMan
#ThatOneMan is our promise to you, our volunteers, our attendees and our supporters, that no matter how quickly we grow, how many awards we win, how many partnerships we strike up or how many clubs we open, we will always remain true to our original goal. To be able to provide support to #ThatOneMan in his time of need, and help him see that his tomorrow can be better than his today.
ANDY’S STORY - LAD BIBLE
OUR STORY
WE’RE A BUNCH OF BLOKES HAVING A CHAT OVER A BREW
& BISCUIT.
In mid-2016, nine men met in a small room in the stereotypical Yorkshire town of Halifax with a simple aim of talking through their issues and helping each other deal with their mental health. All in attendance were agreed there was a magic in that room that had to be shared. This was the start of a movement that has grown faster than anyone first involved could have ever imagined. Fast forward 7 years and ANDYSMANCLUB now has groups at over 150 locations across three countries of the UK.
ANDYSMANCLUB takes its name from Andrew Roberts, a man who sadly took his own life aged 23 in early 2016. Andy’s family had no inkling that he was suffering or struggling to the extent that he would do this, and as a result looked deeper into male suicide and men’s mental health. They soon discovered that male suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50, with male mental health surrounded by well-ingrained cultural stigma in the UK.
Elaine Roberts and Luke Ambler are Andy’s Mum and Brother-in-Law, together they came up with the idea of ANDYSMANCLUB, a group where men aged 18 and above can speak openly about their mental health in a judgment-free, non-clinical environment. Groups now operate nationwide and are completely volunteer-led, with the vast majority of group facilitators having first interacted with ANDYSMANCLUB when they came through the door as a service user.
With a service used on a weekly basis by over 3000 men, and an army of 900+ facilitators, the movement is always continuing to grow on a week-by-week basis.
REAL PEOPLE, REAL STORIES
OUR PEOPLE MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
From our trustees, to the staff to our facilitators who swing open the doors every single Monday night to give guys a safe place to talk. To the army of volunteers who help raise awareness, backing and supporting us, commenting and liking our content. Our people are all so special and without them, we are nothing.
ANDYSMANCLUB
OUR TRUSTEES
Luke Ambler
Chairman & co-founder
My name is Luke Amber I am the co-founder and chair of ANDYSMANCLUB. After the tragic loss of my brother in law in 2016 myself and Andy’s mum Elaine wanted to prevent other families from going through what we have. The idea was that to stop families going through this you had to help guys and the idea of #ThatOneMan was born. For me it always has been and always will be about finding that one man. I know that our groups are not for everyone but all I ask is you give them a go. In life what truly matters is giving it your best shot, that starts with you - #ITSOKAYTOTALK
Vision with action makes for a powerful reality.
Elaine Roberts
Co-founder trustee
Hi my name is Elaine Roberts. I’m Andy’s Mum and a Trustee at ANDYSMANCLUB. I worked for Yorkshire Electric Board for over 40 years. I am now retired, as I never went back to work after we lost Andrew back in 2016. After losing Andy, I wanted to help prevent other families going through what we as a family had been through, which is why alongside Luke and with the help of our volunteers, we set up ANDYSMANCLUB - to give men a safe, judgement-free space where they could get the troubles in their lives off their chests.
Shaun Tymon
TRUSTEE
Hi, I’m Shaun. I became involved in AMC in 2019 when I was asked by a friend to help him set up the Scarborough branch. Having suffered from poor mental health myself and having lost a close friend to suicide I was keen to be involved in anything that might help. However until the opening night in Scarborough, on 3 February 2020, I had no idea of the real power of AMC to get men talking, to make a real difference and save lives. The trustees and staff at AMC have achieved an incredible amount since the charity was established, so I was honoured to be invited to join them in December 2020. I’m looking forward to playing a small part in helping AMC grow to reach more and more men across the UK.
Robert Taylor
TRUSTEE
Hi, I am Robert Taylor and I am now retired through ill health. After losing a family member to suicide, I began to attend a group to see how I could help prevent others from going through what my family had. I actually found the club began to help me more than I ever knew. I became so passionate about helping others and was honoured when I was asked to be a trustee to be able to give something back to such an amazing cause.
Paul Waterworth
TRUSTEE
Hi, I’m Paul, I joined AMC in 2016, just to support my friend in getting through the door. From that first visit, I joined them on a social event, which then became an ambassador role and then a regular facilitator. I have moved forward in my life and done many things I would not have done without the support and encouragement of AMC, and I am proud to be a trustee and do my part towards building the future of the charity, and offer that same support and encouragement to every person that walks through our door.
ANDYSMANCLUB
OUR TEAM
Sabrina Mullins
GENERAL MANAGER
Hello, my name is Sabrina Mullins and I am the General Manager at ANDYSMANCLUB. I have loved every minute of working for ANDYSMANCLUB since 2017. I originally started working here as a volunteer in the early days and have been here ever since.
I have watched ANDYSMANCLUB grow and become something special and I am proud to have been here every step of the way. My work isn’t just work, there is a saying “if you find a job you love you will never work a day in your life” and this is it for me.
Neil Waine
HEAD AREA LEAD - ENGLAND & WALES
Hi, I’m Neil Waine, one of the Project Development Champion team at ANDYSMANCLUB! Having taken the step and first walked through the door as a group user, the journey I have been on since has been amazing. I first started as a facilitator at Huddersfield in a position I held for just over 2 years until early 2021, when Luke and Elaine asked me to join the staff team! I now oversee our Project Development Team and Partnership Strategy - ensuring that we're spreading the word about ANDYSMANCLUB to businesses, charities, sports teams and anyone willing to listen! I am also a keen Huddersfield Town supporter, having appeared on the “And He Takes That Chance” podcast for a couple of years.
Oliver Vikse
Head of Innovation & Technology
HI, I’m Oli, in 2016 I attended the first ever ANDYSMANCLUB meeting and was the third person to speak. My life has gone from strength to strength ever since. The changes I have seen in myself, I have seen in others that have come to the club and I want every man who needs this to be able to experience it. I have a vision of making our services available to every man, in every town and city across the UK. Today, I am Head of Training, Development & Technology for ANDYSMANCLUB, making sure we have the right tools in place to deliver the best service possible. I like to spend my downtime outdoors, in the mountains of the Lake District or North Wales.
Lucas Whitehead
Head of Marketing & Partnerships
Hi, I’m Lucas – Head of Marketing & Partnerships at AMC! Unlike other members of the team, I came into the role without having attended an AMC session although Mental Health and Suicide have always been a massive part of my life with close friends and family members blighted by both. It is of vital importance that we continue to promote talking and openness around mental health. My first AMC session came on my first day in the role back in January 2021 on a wintry night in Hartlepool and it is a night that will stick with me for life due to the profound effect it had on me. Outside of AMC, I am a keen Football and Rugby League fan, following Leeds United and Dewsbury Rams. I also currently manage Hade Edge FC.
Tanya French
HEAD OF EVENTS
Hi my name is Tanya and I’m Head of Events at ANDYSMANCLUB, supporting the Marketing, Partnerships and Events team! Being from Halifax, I first heard about AMC just as it started back in 2016 and I’m delighted to be part of the team. I love helping others and making people smile and working for AMC gives me a chance to make a difference. Before I joined the AMC team I studied for a Business Degree and in my spare time there’s nothing I like more than going on a walk with my husband, two daughters and dog or going out for food – especially Italian or Mexican food!
Joanne Smith
HEAD OF ADMIN
Hi, I’m Joanne Smith, I work in the office as the Head of our Admin Team, I’ve followed ANDYSMANCLUB right from the start, so it’s a privilege and honour to now be part of the team, I joined in January 2020. I’ve spent most of my life in retail, with 2018-2019 seeing me run my own Post Office. I gave this up in Autumn 2019 and set out to start a new life in Spain but was back a week later. I truly believe everything happens for a reason, what better reason than to help others. I have been welcomed by everyone, from the trustees, the office team, right through to the lads all over the country that make sure those doors are opened every week. Part of one big family!
Karen Moran
ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT
Hi, I’m Karen and I joined the admin team in January 2023. I’ve been an avid supporter of AMC since I first found out about it in 2016, attending events and raising funds through various walking challenges including the Yorkshire Three Peaks. I have previously worked as an IT Manager of a predominately male workforce for a number of years, and have seen firsthand the need for a vessel for men to offload. I am honoured to be part of the team and I love, that as part of my job, I am able to make a difference to so many people’s lives.
Tom Nolan
Organisational Support
Hi I'm Tom! I first started attending AMC back in June 2018 after a number of triggering events and trauma all coming to a head. Walking into that room for the first time a weight lifted off my shoulders and I knew this had to be shared with as many people as possible. I then started to run a group in Batley, near my home town of Dewsbury, and eventually, in December 2022 I joined the staff team full time - assisting the admin team with the day-to-day running of the charity. Outside of AMC, I am a Dewsbury Rams fan and a father of 3 and a step-dad to 2. Without ANDYSMANCLUB, I wouldn't be here today!
Dan Rowe
SENIOR PROJECT DEVELOPMENT CHAMPION
Hi, I'm Dan! I first attended AMC in Oldham back in January 2018 only two days after attempting to take my own life. At the time, I was struggling with Post-Natal Depression after the birth of my son and AMC presented a place where I could go open up about this without fear of judgement. Fast forward to the present day and I'm in a much better position, AMC helped me realise that I was not alone, realise that there were and still are guys out there going through what I was going through, and realise that it is okay to talk about how I feel and be vulnerable. I'm now committed to spreading that message as far and wide as I can.
Alex McClintock
SENIOR PROJECT DEVELOPMENT CHAMPION
Hi I am Alex McClintock, after experiencing my own mental health struggles and an attempt on my life I discovered ANDYSMANCLUB. Everything about ANDYSMANCLUB resonated with me and it ignited a passion within me to help make a difference particularly in men’s mental health. The power of talking has become a huge part of my life and I was honoured and humbled to be asked by Elaine and Luke to join the team, overseeing Scotland. I will continue to do what I can to challenge the stigmas in our society to help reach that one man and to help promote ANDYSMANCLUB every day with passion and commitment.
Sean Gill
SENIOR PROJECT DEVELOPMENT CHAMPION
Hi Im Sean, Senior Project Development Champion for ANDYSMANCLUB, Wow that title blows my mind each time because i was #THATONEMAN, 5 years ago i was in a really bad place. Attempted and continued to think about taking my own life. I was pointed towards ANDYSMANCLUB and thought id give a go, what did i have to lose? The answer was nothing but I had everything to gain. AMC has given me purpose and aspirations, helped me rebuild relationships and become a better person.
Michael Chapplow
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT CHAMPION
Hi I'm Michael, I have suffered from social anxiety and depression since childhood. With no diagnosis, this had a negative impact on adult life. Before AMC, most of my social life was spent in my bedroom as I had no confidence to partake in social activities such as attending football matches, going to the pub and going to friends' parties. This changed when I was 31 and discovered AMC. I started attending the groups in 2019 and slowly started to gain confidence and overcome anxiety. This means I now have an active social life. I'm a season card holder at Sunderland AFC, I go out for meals with friends and even go sea swimming with friends I met at AMC. I firmly believe the best thing I have learned is #ITSOKAYTOTALK as this has given me opportunities in life I never previously had. I believe talking is the most important thing you can do.
Jacob Sharratt
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT CHAMPION
Hi, I’m Jake. I first started attending AMC in June 2021 on the first night of Pontefract group opening (group number 50). I was struggling with depression and anxiety for a long time and never to spoke to anyone about it, until I started attending AMC. when I first started attending, I was a quiet and shy person, after a couple of months I was a different man and the guys couldn’t get me to stop talking, then I got asked to be a facilitator. A couple of months later I went on to open a group in another location. I am now honoured to be a Project Development Champion for AMC. My main goal in my job role is to make sure that as many men as possible know that it is okay to talk and to not bottle up their feelings.
Darren Edwards
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT CHAMPION
Remembering Darren. In 2016, Darren lost his first wife Leanne to suicide, and so began his journey with mental health, a chance meeting with a couple of guys from Andysmanclub in 2021 started his journey towards knowing that #itsokaytotalk. From stepping through the door for the first time, to be being asked to became a facilitator, everything felt right for Darren. Then, he became part of the team, getting that next man through the door and being a part of their journey. Sadly, Darren passed away unexpectedly in early 2024 but he will always remain a part of our team and family. Maximum Effort, Always and Forever.
Kenny Armour
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT CHAMPION
Hi! I am Kenny Armour, having suffered anxiety and depression for the past 7 years I hit rock bottom with life and self-employment getting the better of me. Luckily for me I had heard of the good work ANDYSMANCLUB had been doing and at the time I was looking for answers, AMC was opening in my local town. Using the club for what it is and then naturally falling into a facilitator role ignited a real passion within me to help other men open up and use the power of talking. Something I had never done due to working in the Oil & Gas industry, where I always thought that you keep your problems to yourself and you were the only one with problems. AMC has allowed me to understand that I am not alone and that #ITSOKAYTOTALK.
Mark Inglis
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT CHAMPION
Hi I am Mark Inglis, one of the PDCs for Scotland. I was signposted to ANDYSMANCLUB by a close friend after failed attempts on my life and something just clicked in me after my first meeting. AMC has helped me deal with my PTSD and the childhood trauma to the point now where I feel I can help others to walk through that door as I did and if I can help #ThatOneMan, then that is what it's all about. ANDYSMANCLUB has changed my life and hopefully I can do the same for others to break the stigma around men's mental health.
Luke Tetlow-Cross
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT CHAMPION
Hi, I’m Luke! I have dealt with anxiety and stress for the majority of my adult life, mainly due to my work life. The majority of the time, I would turn to my Dad who would always want a catch up to discuss the latest film or tv show and we would discuss what was going on with me. My dad was very supportive but would usually give me bad advice and then end it with a Dad joke. In November 2020, my dad went to the hospital with a chest infection and on shortly after, he passed away from Covid. It took 3 months to get the nerve to walk into my first AMC meeting which was in March 2021 in Rochdale. Since then, I have been open about sharing my story, and I facilitated for 2 years until starting my role in the north west. I am a fan of classic rock, Liverpool FC and I like spending time with my wife and kids.
ANDYSMANCLUB
OUR FACILITATORS.
OUR HEROES.
Our facilitators are heroes in our eyes. We would love to be able to individually write about them all, due to having over 500 heroes, that would be very difficult.
What makes our facilitators heroes? It’s got to be the single fact the each and every one of them know how tough it is take that step through the door. Taking the step through the door for them allowed them to improve their own situation and get through their storm with the help of the other guys at the group. They decided they then wanted to help other guys through their storms. They selflessly turn up every Monday to open those doors for 7pm.
ALL OUR GROUPS MEET EVERY MONDAY AT 7PM
(EXCEPT BANK HOLIDAYS).
We run talking groups for men who have either been through a storm, are currently going through a storm, have a storm brewing in life or just want to meet a good group of people with the aim of improving one another. No referral, no registration and no charge. Even the brew and biscuits are free!
INVITE US TO SPEAK TO YOUR ORGANISATION.
WE WANT TO GET PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH.
DROP US AN EMAIL.