Time Space Compassion in suicide prevention - practice stories - Volume 2

4. Andys Man Club

Tackling stigma through peer support, in a judgement free and non-clinical environment

The idea and funding for Andys Man Club comes directly from people impacted by suicide. Andys Man Club is a peer led organisation working across the UK, offering lightly structured community based peer support. It is named after Andrew Roberts, a man who took his own life aged 23, in early 2016.

“The first time I walked through the door, I didn’t know what I would say. I genuinely thought no one would understand. But they did. Listening, having the hard conversations and validating each other – it’s what we’re about.”

(Alex, Andys Man Club)

4.1 Our challenge

There was a gap in non-clinical, judgement free and confidential spaces, where men could talk about the issues in their life and learn how to have the kinds of conversations that would help them deal with their mental health. Experience and evidence show men are less likely to have networks of people they can reach out to when they’re struggling. Stigma, including internalised stigma, means that many find opening up and seeking help hard to do. We wanted to offer ready-made groups that men could tap into when they need it, designed in ways that actively addressed stigma.

4.2 Our response

Our approach is all about simplicity – a room, a cuppa, and a conversation facilitated by someone who’s also been there. All of our groups meet at the same time, on the same day and kick off with the same three questions. Our questions are based on proven Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) methods, and we all work to the same ground rules – all topics are welcome, with the exception of politics, medication and religion.

4.3 Learning from practice

Building relationship – As a peer led organisation, we’ve all walked through that door and joined a group for the first time. This common ground helps build the trust needed for someone to open up. We know life can be hard, so it’s important people know they can talk about the difficult stuff and that it’s ok to share different perspectives. Group facilitators are experienced and trained in group process, including how to hold space for these harder conversations.

Being clear and consistent – Simplicity and consistency reduces the cognitive load and challenge of joining a group. It also makes marketing and word-of-mouth promotion easier. For example, busy GPs only need to learn about us once and they can take that knowledge wherever they go.

Making connections – When it comes to setting up new groups, we work organically and follow people’s interest. The quickest way to grow is to work with people who hold a shared drive to get something done. We work closely with communities to find the best places to hold meetings – local people find the quiet, stigma free and available spaces faster than we ever would. We also link closely to local NHS teams, raising awareness, offering drop in sessions and building good connections between statutory and peer led support

4.4 Impact

Andys Man Club has 13 project development champions, 1,600 volunteers and over 170 groups running across the UK. In seven years, we have become one of the best known on-line social media brands in the UK. On average, over 4,300 men attend our sessions each week. That means 4,300 men going home to their families and communities and encouraging others that #ITSOKAYTOTALK.

Find out more and contact the team at their website.