Celebration to mark a year of supporting local men through conversation, compassion and connection
A club in Wolverhampton that helps men through difficult periods in their life is marking a successful first 12 months of operation. Andy’s Man Club Wolverhampton meets at 7pm every Monday (except for bank holidays) at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park.
Cllr Craig Collinswood, Mayor of Wolverhampton, with Danny Rice, Founder of Andy’s Man Club Wolverhampton, at a recent event; photo courtesy of City of Wolverhampton Council
Average weekly attendance is now 30+, and over the past year more than 200 men have attended sessions. The volunteer team of 12 dedicated facilitators are there to create a safe, judgment-free space where issues can be raised and discussed. Talking really does save lives!
Danny Rice, a former exams officer with Adult Education Wolverhampton, has himself experienced difficulties in life. He’d been travelling to the Andy’s Man Club in Stafford for meetings and trained as a facilitator there. Last year, he decided to set up a club closer to home so that others would not need to travel so far to get needed help.
For more details, see the Andy’s Man Club website.
Andy’s Man Club Wolverhampton is part of a broader network of support across Wolverhampton, provided by the council and partners. Indeed, Rice is also an active member of the Wolverhampton Suicide Prevention Stakeholder Forum, helping to shape the city’s wider approach to mental health and well-being.
Danny Rice says: ‘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.
‘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.’
Cllr Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Well-being and Community at City of Wolverhampton Council, adds: ‘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.’
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