Tell us about your organisation, when you started and why it was set up
Andy’s Man Club Wolverhampton was set up to support men in Wolverhampton and the surrounding areas. Danny Rice and Daniel “Shabba” Neil, who both attended Andy’s Man Club in Stafford, wanted to bring the group closer to home to offer men a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about whatever they’re going through.
What has been your biggest achievement since starting?
We’re proud to run sessions every Monday (excluding bank holidays) for all men aged 18 and over. We welcome a diverse group from different ages, backgrounds, and walks of life.
One of our biggest achievements is seeing so many men make real progress in their lives. Many have used the confidence and support gained through the group to make positive changes they never thought possible. On average, we see around 30 men attending each week, which shows just how valuable these sessions have become.
What is your experience of support received from WVCA?
When we first set up the group, it was important to connect with other organisations for signposting and partnership opportunities. WVCA helped us link with events and local services that have supported our members beyond the sessions.
What key lessons have you learned in these early stages?
One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that it can be difficult to get men through the door — there’s still a lot of stigma around men’s mental health. Personal recommendations are incredibly powerful; many of our attendees come because a friend, colleague, or family member encouraged them.
Interestingly, the women of Wolverhampton have been some of our biggest champions, often signposting men to our sessions. We’ve also had amazing support from other organisations, particularly SUIT and Rethink, which has helped us strengthen our network and provide more comprehensive support.
What challenges are you currently facing as a newly established group, and how can WVCA or other organisations provide further support?
Our biggest challenge is always the same: reaching the one man who really needs us but hasn’t yet heard about us. As a relatively new group in the city, many people still don’t know who we are or what we offer.
We’re working hard to raise awareness by attending local events, connecting with networks, and collaborating with other organisations. Support from WVCA — particularly around outreach and promotion — would be invaluable in helping us reach more men who could benefit from our sessions.
Where can we find out more about your group?
Andy’s Man Club Wolverhampton runs every Monday (excluding bank holidays) at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park, WV10 9RU.
- No referrals required
- No registers taken
- No charges — and yes, there’s always tea, coffee, and biscuits!
Find us on Facebook: Andy’s Man Club Wolverhampton
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