This blog is a bit different to the last, as Rob Smith of Andy’s Man Club (AMC) is not necessarily a business leader, but he is a leader in our community and serves the City of Doncaster and its people. Again, curated by me, Kurt Ewald Lindley, as part of a collaboration with Club Doncaster. Our endeavour – to showcase and connect businesses across the county (and beyond).
The Backstory
Founded in 2016 by former rugby league player Luke Ambler and his mother-in-law Elaine Roberts, Andy’s Man Club was established in memory of Andy Roberts, who tragically took his own life. This loss highlighted the urgent need for spaces where men could discuss their mental health without fear of judgment.
The first meeting took place in Halifax and attracted nine men from a Facebook post; today, AMC has over 290 groups nationwide, with more than 5,800 men attending weekly sessions. One of those original 9 are still involved today. These stat’s are a bittersweet. Yes it’s amazing this many groups serve this many people, but it’s disheartening to recognise that more groups are needed to serve more people.
Rob Smith, Attendee turned Facilitator
With busy schedules and the easter break, it meant we had just 30 minutes to explore what AMC was, Rob’s journey within it and how the work he does may add value to businesses.
Just a few moments in, I asked “have we met”, to which Rob responded “yes, maybe at an event”. It took a while for our minds to figure it out. But, we’d actually met at an AMC session. It was the 24th January 2022, just 6 months after Rob started his connection with the Doncaster based group – at the Hilton Hotel.
This was one of those profound moments, out of all the people that attended that session (if I remember rightly it was about 23), Rob was the one to sit next to me. Rob shared the depths of his personal story (something for another day), and the events that led him to join his first session 19th July 2021.
What I found most interesting was his admission that he’d been looking at the website on and off for 4 weeks, and it was only because his partner was out of town that night that he decided to go.
“I didn’t want to be alone with my thoughts”
On that 1st night he was a person in need of help, along with 10 other men. Now nearly 4 years on there are over 100 men attending sessions across 5 venues in Doncaster, every Monday night (except bank holidays) between 7-8pm. One such venue being the Doncaster Rovers Eco-Power Stadium.
The Value of AMC to the Doncaster Community
The value of AMC lies in its simplicity and authenticity. By providing a space where men can openly discuss their struggles. As Rob states:
“you don’t have to have a mental health condition, just come, meet people and build confidence”
Rob shared stories of men suffering from isolation, loneliness and poor self-confidence who have attended as people in need and now are running sessions themselves. He also made a point about how the value of sessions go wider:
“Its not just about the men, those who have tried to take their own lives. AMC doesn’t just help the men it helps all the people around them”
With this I’m keen to find ways to make it feel ok to tell your family that you are going, I know one of my fears was telling my family I was heading to a session.
The Value of AMC to the Business Community
Its at this point I’d like you, the reader, to reflect upon your workplace, the men around you and their well-being. See, everyone has a story and whilst they may turn up looking in a good place, perhaps because work is an escape/distraction from life – like Ice Hockey was for Rob. They may well be suffering inside.
So I’m asking please make space for these conversations at work. It’s not necessarily about making it ok to say “I need help”, but perhaps more about making it ok to say openly to others that you attend an AMC session. Or inviting people along and perhaps on your return-to-work reflecting on the value of the session – how its helped, how its improved things. Some benefits you may not be aware of are below:
Enhanced Mental Wellbeing
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Regular attendance at AMC sessions provides a safe space for men to express their feelings, leading to decreased stress levels and improved mental health.
- Improved Coping Mechanisms: Engaging in peer discussions helps participants develop healthier strategies to manage personal and professional challenges.
Improved Communication Skills
- Openness in Dialogue: The non-judgmental environment encourages men to articulate their thoughts and emotions more freely.
- Active Listening: Listening to others’ experiences enhances empathy and understanding, valuable skills in collaborative work settings.
Strengthened Workplace Relationships
- Team Cohesion: Employees who attend AMC often exhibit increased camaraderie and supportiveness towards colleagues.
- Positive Workplace Culture: The ripple effect of open conversations contributes to a more inclusive and supportive organisational environment.
Increased Productivity and Engagement
- Renewed Focus: Addressing mental health concerns can lead to improved concentration and efficiency in tasks.
- Higher Motivation: Feeling supported boosts morale, leading to greater enthusiasm and commitment to work responsibilities.
Organisational Benefits
- Reduced Absenteeism: Improved mental health correlates with lower sick leave rates, benefiting overall productivity.
- Enhanced Employee Retention: A supportive environment that acknowledges mental health encourages employee loyalty and reduces turnover.
By supporting initiatives such as AMC, organisations not only contribute to the personal growth of their employees but also foster a healthier, more productive workplace.
The AMC Experience
AMC sessions are designed to be welcoming and non-clinical. Meetings occur every Monday from 7 PM to 9 PM, excluding bank holidays. Attendees are greeted at the door, this for me when I attended was so important. Knowing where to go, who to say hello to and how to just find a chair to sit in. The structure revolves around five questions, three of which remain constant:
“How has your week been?”
“Name something positive from your week?”
“Anything to get off your chest?”
The remaining two questions vary weekly, encouraging diverse discussions.
Participation is voluntary; you can choose to share or simply listen
In closing
Rob Smith’s dedication to Andy’s Man Club exemplifies the profound impact that community-driven support can have on individual lives. Through his work, countless men have found a safe haven to express themselves, seek help, and begin their journey towards healing. For more information or to find a local group, visit andysmanclub.co.uk. Remember, it’s okay to talk.
The 100Club is better for our connection to AMC and contributes significantly to making Doncaster a great place to do business.
If you want to learn more about Club Doncaster’s 100Club give me a nudge and I’ll connect you with the team.