Milestone for men's mental health support group

Danny Rice, who set up Andy's Man Club in Wolverhampton, says it is "humbling" to see the group thrive

The founder of a mental health support group for men has said it is "humbling" to see how it has grown, as it marks its first anniversary.

Since opening its doors at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park, Andy's Man Club has welcomed more than 200 men to its sessions, held on a Monday each week.

The group has a volunteer team of 12, and average weekly attendance is more than 30.

"Opening this club was one of the proudest moments of my life," said Danny Rice, founder of the group.

The response from men in the city had been "incredible," the former adult education exams officer added.

"Week after week, we've watched men walk in carrying the weight of their world, and leave feeling lighter, supported, and heard," he said.

"That's what Andy's Man Club is all about."

He set up the club in the city after his own experience of finding support at an Andy's Man Club in Stafford during a difficult period in his life.

'Genuinely humbling'

He travelled to Stafford for meetings, and later became a facilitator, but decided to launch a group in Wolverhampton so men in the city would have somewhere to access help without travelling too far.

"Seeing the Wolverhampton club thrive has been genuinely humbling," he said.

"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."

He said the local authority had been supportive of the initiative, and as a result the group was able to direct men to other services in the city where 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."

Andy's Man Club Wolverhampton meets every Monday at 19:00, except bank holidays, at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the BBC's Action Line.