As part of Men’s Mental Health Month, we hosted a powerful webinar featuring Chris Kelly, who is Area Lead at Andy’s Man Club - a charity dedicated to supporting men through open and honest conversations about mental health.

The session aimed to break the stigma surrounding men’s mental health, encourage dialogue, and highlight how small acts of support can make a life-saving difference.

The story behind Andy's Man Club

Chris began by sharing the story of Andy Roberts, whose tragic death at 23 inspired his brother-in-law, Luke Ambler and Andy’s mother, Elaine, to take action.

They created a space where men could ‘have a brew and a chat,’ where the first meeting in Halifax back in July 2016 brought together nine men who realised, for the first time, they weren’t alone in their struggles.

Since then, Andy’s Man Club has grown into a nationwide movement with over 320 community groups across England, Scotland, and Wales, with more than 6,500 men attending every Monday night.

Its message is simple but life-changing: It’s okay to talk.

The power of talking

Our webinar with Chris, who is also a former police officer who found support at Andy’s Man Club during his own personal challenges, offered invaluable insights into the wider issue of men’s mental health.

“Nearly 5,000 men take their own lives every year. That’s three times more than women,” he shared. “Each suicide affects around 135 people - family, friends, colleagues. That’s over half a million lives impacted every year.”

The charity aims to ‘smash the stigma’ around men’s mental health by making it normal for them to speak openly. As Chris reminded us, talking isn’t weakness - it’s strength.

He shared: “I spent six years not knowing that there were other people like me, going through similar to me, and six years is a hell of a long time to be thinking you’re all alone. Some guys spend all of their lives thinking that they’re alone.

But when you walk through the door and you hear that there are other men going through similar to you, may not have had the same experiences, but similar to you, it's like a massive weight off your shoulder.”

What to expect at a meeting

Andy’s Man Club meetings run every Monday from 7–9pm (except bank holidays). They’re free, non-judgmental, and open to any man or person identifying as male over 18 - no registration, referral, or payment required.

“No man ever walks in on their own the first time,” Chris explained. When you arrive, facilitators greet you at the door with a smile, a handshake, and often a warm brew.

He continued by sharing how there’s a ball which indicates it's your turn to talk. However, there’s no pressure to talk if you don’t want to. “Some guys want to get the vibe of it first before they start talking. Some are too nervous, and others just want to get it off their chest straight away,” he shared.

The sessions follow a simple, structured format built around five questions from ‘how’s your week been?’ to ‘what do you want to get off your chest?’

A personal journey

Chris’ story is a powerful example of the impact of opening up. After 30 years in the police force, he found himself struggling to cope when his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer.

After finding Andy’s Man Club, Chris went from attending his local group to facilitating, and eventually becoming an Area Lead overseeing clubs across the North West.

To summarise his experience, he shared, “they have seen me when I was in my darkest place, and never once have I felt judged in that room.”

A ripple effect of hope

The club’s impact stretches far beyond its weekly meetings. From the viral #ItsOkayToTalk campaign, shared by public figures like Anthony Joshua and Ricky Gervais, to TV collaborations such as Emmerdale’s suicide awareness storyline, the message continues to spread:

Talking saves lives.

Chris also shared a moving video message from Alfie, Andy’s nephew, who was six when his uncle died:

“I’m hoping we get to a point where we don’t need it anymore, where men feel able to speak freely, and suicide no longer steals people from us.”

How you can get involved

If you or someone you know is struggling, taking one small step can make all the difference.

• Find a club: Visit andysmanclub.co.uk to locate your nearest group or join an online session.
• Start a conversation: A simple “Are you okay?” can open a door. If someone says they’re fine, ask again: “Are you sure?”
• Spread awareness: Share this message with friends, colleagues, and family. Together, we can help end the silence.
• Access additional support: For 24/7 confidential help, contact Samaritans at 116 123 or text “SHOUT” to 85258.

Looking ahead

Andy’s Man Club is more than a support group, it’s a movement changing the culture of how men communicate.

Through open conversations and compassion, we can all play a part in creating a future where no man suffers in silence.

Support if you need it

Watch the full webinar to catch up on the full conversation.

At Kaplan, if you have concerns about your well-being or another learner’s, we have a dedicated well-being team that can help provide support and resources, and someone you can talk to in confidence.

If you have a safeguarding concern, you can find more information about our safeguarding team or reach out to safeguarding@kaplan.co.uk.