WHAT IS ANDY’S MAN CLUB?
Founded in Halifax in 2016 to create positive change in men’s mental health, Andy’s Man Club is a suicide prevention charity offering free peer-to-peer support groups for males over the age of 18.
The new support group will become the first Andy’s Man Club in East Manchester, joining over 180 clubs nationwide which currently support more than 4,000 men.
For more information about Andy’s Man Club, please visit: https://andysmanclub.co.uk/
WHEN IS ANDY’S MAN CLUB?
Andy’s Man Clubs will take place every Monday from 19:00 until 21:00, aside from Bank Holiday Mondays.
In alignment with Andy’s Man Clubs across the country, attendees will be asked to arrive from 18:30 ahead of the 19:00 start time.
Hence, sessions for the first month will take place on the following dates and continuing weekly:
· Monday 13 May
· Monday 20 May
· Monday 3 June
· Monday 10 June
WHERE IS ANDY’S MAN CLUB AT MANCHESTER CITY?
Andy’s Man Club sessions will take place in the East Stand of the Etihad Stadium.
On arrival, entrance to the Andy’s Man Club sessions will take place via the East Stand reception (Door F in the map at the end of this article). The entrance is fully accessible, with step free access from the East Stand reception to the venue within the Etihad Stadium. Attendees will be greeted on arrival by trained volunteer facilitators from Andy’s Man Club, who will guide them through to the venue.
WHAT TO BRING?
The sessions are free, with no pre-registering or identification required. Importantly, for those attending there is no pressure to speak at any session and Andy’s Man Club say that many participants have taken their first step by listening.
All you need to bring is yourself.
WHO CAN ATTEND?
Any man or individual identifying as a male over the age of 18 can attend. Additionally, there is no requirement to be a Season Ticket Member, holder of a Cityzens Official Membership, Manchester City fan or even a football fan to attend.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT AN ANDY’S MAN CLUB?
Andy’s Man Club sessions allow men to come together in a judgement-free space and be open about any issues in their lives. The charity say that the sessions follow a defined format each week, so you can know what to expect, which is outlined below.
On arrival, you will be met by trained volunteer facilitators from Andy’s Man Club who will welcome you and show you into the venue. Attendees are given a brew and a biscuit as they settle in before the session begins.
Following an introduction, the groups together answer five questions throughout the session. The volunteer facilitators, who have all been members of Andy’s Man Clubs, will answer first and then each attendee in turn. Remember, there is no pressure to speak, and answers are completely confidential to the group unless a safeguarding issue or threat to life arises.
The first three questions are consistent each week:
· How’s your week been?
· What’s been one positive from your week?
· Anything to get off your chest?
For the final two questions, these can vary each week but the final question always ends on a positive note. Recently, John Stones experienced a final question when he was asked about his guilty pleasure song, in a chat with Lucas Whitehead and Oliver Vikse from Andy’s Man Club.
For those who would like to hear first-hand what Andy’s Man Club sessions are like, Manchester City fans Martyn, Omar, and Steve recently sat down to discuss their experiences of the group and answer some questions together.
WHAT ARE THE TRAVEL OPTIONS TO AND FROM AN ANDY’S MAN CLUB SESSION?
Andy’s Man Club sessions will take place in the Etihad Stadium, which is easily accessible using a range of modes of transport and is within easy walking distance from Manchester city centre.
Those attending an Andy’s Man Club session can:
· Drive and park at the Etihad Stadium
· Hop on the Metrolink
· Walk from the city centre
· Use a commercial bus service
· Travel by train, and then walk or use public transport
· Cycle to the Etihad Stadium
· Hire a private taxi
Parking is advised in Grey Car Park, entrance via Gate 7 in the map below, on a first-come-first-served basis. Any changes to parking arrangements that may occur in future will be communicated by Manchester City and Andy’s Man Club.
Further information for reaching Andy’s Man Club at the Etihad Stadium can be found at our Travel & Transport hub.
