Men's charity opens second Exeter branch

The newest group at Wonford Community Hall is the charity's second in Exeter

A new branch of a men's mental health charity has opened in Devon.

It is Andy's Man Club's second location in Exeter, and seventh in the county.

The national charity said it aimed to give men a place to talk about how they felt and to try and prevent anyone from taking their own life.

The newest group would be meeting at Wonford Community Hall, organisers said.

'Sign of the times'

Lucas Whitehead, spokesperson for Andy's Man Club, said the charity's expansion "shows there's a demand".

He told BBC Radio Devon: "Across Devon, there are 168 men in attendance, which is bittersweet.

"It means men can access support and open up about issues they haven't been speaking about in the past.

"But it also show there's a demand, which is a sign of times."

Lucas Whitehead said the move would mean more men "can access support"

Men entering the meetings will be greeted with a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit.

Lucas added that participants would sit in a circle before answering a series of questions.

He added: "And there's no pressure to talk. Some people will join and not talk for the first few weeks."

The group takes its name from Andrew Roberts, a man who took his own life at the age of 23 in 2016.