How Groups Run
If you are new to ANDYSMANCLUB and unsure of what to expect when attending one of our groups, here is a handy explanation of what to expect when you attend for the first time.
What To Expect
There will be a friendly facilitator on the door to welcome you in. The facilitators will be in ANDYSMANCLUB merch to make sure that the group is easy to find. There will also sometimes be a sign outside the venue, pointing you in the right direction.
You’ll be welcomed into the room and shown the brew and biscuit station. There’s tea, coffee, juice and biscuits to choose from.
It is advised to arrive 5-10 minutes before 7PM, then at 7PM the group starts. The chairs are always arranged in a circle and our “talking ball” is passed from guy to guy to show who’s turn it is to talk. If you don’t want to talk you can simply pass the ball along.
The session starts with each guy giving their name and a positive reason for being there (this does not have to be their real name and the positive may just be attending the group!). One of our facilitators then reads out our rules to ensure the session runs smoothly.
The groups have a five question format. The first three questions are always the same…
1. How’s your week been?
2. One positive from your week?
3. Anything to get off your chest?
There is no pressure to talk
There’s then a short break before question 4 & 5, during which guys can support each other, as well as grab another brew and biscuit!
The sessions then end with question 4 & 5 which are often funny/inspirational/thought provoking to end the session on a positive e.g. ‘what’s your favourite sandwich?’ or ‘what’s a goal you’re currently working towards and what steps are you taking to achieve it?’
If you would like, we will then add you to a closed FB group after the session.
Urgent Help Needed?
ANDYSMANCLUB is a peer-led charity, so we are not professional mental health support workers. If you need urgent help, please contact one of these excellent groups.
Samaritans
If you need to contact someone urgently for a confidential, you can call The Samaritans free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.
Calm
Calm run a free and confidential helpline and webchat – 7 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk about life’s problems. Visit the helpline now.
Call 111
You can now call 111 free of charge and select option 2 to be connected to a mental health professional.
If someone’s life is at immediate at risk, please contact 999.