A new community group to support men’s mental health opened its doors in Brandon last night (Monday).

Becki Coombe, owner of Coombe Hall, donated the venue for the first meeting of Andy's Man Club.

All 25 chairs were filled.

Becki said: “I was very keen to support the launching of a Coventry and Warwickshire group, as someone who actively support mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention through delivery of training courses.

Men are invited to take a seat and support each other.

placeholder image — Men are invited to take a seat and support each other.

"As a volunteer with Warwickshire Search and Rescue and a Community First Responder with West Midlands Ambulance Service, I recognise the need for safe spaces for men to feel that they can trust in those around them to be vulnerable, to share thoughts and feelings or simply just to 'be present' with no judgement.”

Becki noted a number of references to Andy's Man Club over the last few months noted that the other closest ones were Lichfield, Halesowen, Derby and Northampton.

However, Becki thinks that they will soon outgrow her venue Coombe Hall, in Rugby Road, Brandon.

"I am not surprised in the slightest that there was such positive attendance for the first Andy's Man Club in Coventry and Warwickshire at Coombe Hall,” she said.

“As we can only host 50 people in our little village venue, I have already passed on a few ideas of locations that might also welcome meetings in.”

She said by offering a free space it means that men of all socio-economic status can attend and access equally with their peers.

Becki went on: “Speaking with the team and Andy's Man Club I know they are very keen to provide groups in Rugby, Leamington/Warwick, central Coventry, Nuneaton, Atherstone and Stratford-upon-Avon.

"In the Mental Health First Aid and Suicide Prevention courses I deliver, I regularly advocate speaking openly and confidently about our own mental health and wellbeing.

“I support delegates in gaining confidence to open up and have conversations with people around them that they are concerned about.

"It is fantastic that we now have a structured support meeting in place every Monday evening to do just this!"

For more information, visit https://andysmanclub.co.uk The group is held every Monday and is free to attend.

To find out more about the events at Coombe Hall, visit https://coombehall.com/