G&H Group is now hosting Andy’s Man Club (AMC) sessions every Monday evening at its head office in Pudsey, providing a place for local men to come together in a safe environment to talk about issues and problems they have faced or are currently facing.
The complete mechanical, electrical and public health service provider was keen to support the charity, which was set-up to help prevent suicide among men and help those battling depression, as it is committed to supporting staff and the local community.
Almost 50 men attended the first session on Monday 4 June, the highest attendance for a first meeting ever in AMC history.
The collaboration with AMC is part of G&H Group’s social value strategy, which aims to provide support and investment to people, local communities and clubs. Other social value initiatives include the ‘You’re Not Alone’ wellbeing campaign, supporting G&H Group staff in and out of work by providing training and offering help where needed.
G&H Group also co-founded Community Interest Company (CIC) Building Futures Together, creating an in-house training centre, where youngsters receive hands-on learning that gives them an insight into the construction sector while still at school.
Graham Kelly, group managing director at G&H Group said; “Every week in the UK, 115 people die by suicide, with men accounting for 75 percent of those deaths. And the construction industry has some of the worst rates of mental health in the UK, with men working in the sector more likely to die from suicide than the average male.
“G&H Group is committed to supporting our staff and local community with their mental health and wellbeing. Offering our premises as a venue is the least we can do to help the charity, and will hopefully support Andy’s Man Club to make a positive difference in Pudsey, and the surrounding areas, by showing men it is ok to talk.”
Paul Wilkes, lead facilitator for Andy’s Man Club, Pudsey said: “A lot of men are struggling but they often feel as if they are a burden if they take their problems to a family member or friend. At Andy’s Man Club they see other men opening up and sharing their feelings which encourages them to talk and share their challenges too."
“We have had an incredible turnout at the Pudsey group, with over forty attendees in the first three weeks coming for the first time. We are only able to provide our free sessions if we have suitable venues. We are incredibly grateful to G&H Group for providing their head office as a base, so that any man over the age of 18 that is struggling can come and see us. I guarantee they will receive a very warm welcome and get to hear different perspective and stories from men who have or are currently struggling too.”
Andy’s Man Club was set up in Halifax in 2016 by the mother and brother-in-law of Andrew Roberts, who took his own life in 2013. Every Monday evening (except bank holidays) from 7pm until 9pm, over 130 sessions are held across the UK with over 2000 men attending each week.
Established in 1998, G&H Group is a market leading mechanical, electrical, and public health (MEP) provider. It’s 180-strong experienced team design, manage, deliver and maintain every aspect of MEP schemes.
For further information visit the Andy's Man Club website here
