Andy’s Man Club
TOM MEIGHAN fronts hard hitting Andy’s Man Club campaign with his song ‘Would You Mind’ to support men’s mental health ahead of the festive season and New Year.
Andy’s Man Club is a charity close to Tom Meighan’s heart. Wanting to support their suicide prevention campaign in the run up to one of the hardest times of the year for many,Tom says, “It’s no secret that I continue to struggle with my own mental health. I’m fortunate to have good people around me who keep me on track, especially my wife Viks who is my absolute rock. Andy’s Man Club have been a wonderful lifeline. Since I was introduced to them a couple of years ago I’ve been amazed by the work they do for men like me who need extra support at times of crisis. It’s a pleasure and an honour to collaborate with them on their Christmas campaign. I encourage anyone who is having a tough time and needs to talk to reach out to their local AMC.”
The festive season and the new year can be a challenging time for many. It can increase feelings of isolation, sadness, hopelessness and despair. The first rule about Andy’s Man Club is It’s Okay To Talk. Simply put, that’s the whole point. It’s a group where men don’t have to battle to be heard or listened to, but where they can join the fight to reduce the rate of suicide in men.
Andy’s Man Club takes its name from Andrew Roberts, a man who sadly took his own life aged 23 in early 2016. Andy was a lovely and doting father, son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend when he was taken away by suicide, sadly and tragically without warning.
On average one man every two hours takes his life in the UK. What is often said to be a factor is that men don’t talk. Andy’s Man Club was established after Andrew Roberts’ death by his mother Elaine Roberts and his brother-in-law Luke Ambler. The aim of the club is to break down the stigmas, support men struggling, and lend a hand to suicide prevention.
‘Would You Mind’ has become an anthem at Meighan’s live shows. “This song has a life of its own,” he says. “You see it when you see grown men and women singing every word with open arms and tears in their eyes. Maybe sometimes we should all ask for a little help.”
