Since opening its doors at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park, the club has welcomed over 200 men to its sessions, with average weekly attendance now above 30. The group has also grown its volunteer team to 12 dedicated facilitators, who creating a safe, judgment free space where talking really does save lives.
It was launched last year by former Adult Education Wolverhampton Exams Officer Danny Rice who said: “Opening this club was one of the proudest moments of my life. When we started a year ago, we hoped to build something meaningful for Wolverhampton – and the response from the men of this city has been incredible.
“Week after week, we’ve watched men walk in carrying the weight of their world, and leave feeling lighter, supported, and heard. That’s what Andy’s Man Club is all about.”
Danny first launched the club after his own experience of finding support at Andy’s Man Club during a difficult period in his life. Having travelled to Stafford for meetings – and later becoming a facilitator – he decided to bring a group to Wolverhampton so local men wouldn’t have to travel too far to access help.
As well as running the Wolverhampton group, Danny is a member of the Wolverhampton Suicide Prevention Stakeholder Forum, helping to shape the city’s wider approach to mental health and wellbeing. Andy’s Man Club Wolverhampton is part of this broader offer of support, complementing the work of partners across the city to ensure that everyone can access help when they need it most.
Danny added: “Seeing the Wolverhampton club thrive has been genuinely humbling. Every man who walks through the door helps break the stigma. Every conversation helps someone else realise they’re not alone. And every new facilitator strengthens the message that it’s okay to talk.
“The council has been really supportive of us, and of getting organisations together and collaborating. As a result, we direct our men to other services in the city such as the Service User Improvement Team, the African Caribbean Community Initiative and Rethink as appropriate.
“One year on, the message is the same – if you’re struggling, or even if you just feel a bit stuck, come along. You’ll be welcomed exactly as you are. This club has changed lives, and we’re only just getting started.”
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “Andy’s Man Club has been an overwhelming success, and that’s thanks to the drive and determination of Danny and his team of facilitators who are on hand, all year round, to offer help and support to people when they need it the most.”
Andy’s Man Club Wolverhampton meets every Monday at 7pm, excluding Bank Holidays, at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park. For more information, please visit Andy’s Man Club.
If someone is experiencing a difficult time or is concerned about another person and needs urgent help, they are encouraged to call NHS 111 and select option 2, or text 07860 025 281 for immediate assistance, or contact Samaritans by calling 116 123. The Wolverhampton Sanctuary Hub provides support during evenings and weekends at 84 Salop Street – call 0808 802 2288 or text 07860 065168.
