The leaders of a men's support group in Romford have reassured men who are struggling with their mental health that "you're not alone".
Callum Oubridge and Chris Slater, the facilitators of Andys Man Club Romford, are urging men to "give the group a try" if they need a space to talk.
Andys Man Club (AMC) is a nationwide suicide prevention charity, which supports men to speak openly about their mental health via free peer-to-peer support groups.
The Romford group launched on December 2 and meets every Monday at Queen's Hospital, offering a "non-judgemental and safe place" for men to talk.
Chris Slater compared Andys Man Club to a "brotherhood" or a "family".
He told the Recorder: "There's nobody [in the group] that is more important than anyone else, and there's no one that feels embarrassed to talk about subjects.
"You are not alone - there will always be someone in the group who you have got something in common with."
READ MORE: Elm Park's Aimee-Jo Ahmed wins newborn photographer of the year
Andys Man Club groups are peer-led, which means that Chris and Callum, as well as being facilitators, equally use the group as a space to talk.
Callum had a relative who died just before he started talks to set up the Romford AMC group in July 2024.
He said this loss was "devastating" for him and his family, but it also "perked" his interest in the mental health charity.
Callum told the Recorder: "I've always had a passion for men's health, specifically the mental health side, and it [AMC] was a perfect opportunity to give back.
"It now is an essential part of my life and I feel so much better when I leave [each meeting]."
He added that he has never felt judged by anyone in the group for his speech impediment, and has been able to open up about it at meetings.
"It just goes to show that it's a space where anyone and everyone can go from all backgrounds," Callum said.
"I've never thought for a second that I'm being judged or people were looking down on me."
Chris said he can "see the difference" in Callum and other members since joining Andys Man Club - but also in himself.
In 2021, he was struggling with his mental health to the extent that he was off sick from work for eight months and "couldn't talk".
Chris said he is now "a totally different person" thanks to the charity.
Both facilitators urged men to come to AMC Romford meetings "as and when you need" and said there is never any pressure to talk.
READ MORE: Queen's Hospital A&E staff 'burnt out' with record demand
Each meeting centres around a series of questions that other AMC groups across the country are also answering at their meetings, ranging from serious topics to more light-hearted questions about people's favourite biscuits.
Chris and Callum hope to eventually grow AMC in Havering by launching new groups in locations such as Upminster, Harold Hill and Elm Park.
Chris told the Recorder: "There's tears at these meetings, but there's laughter.
"People walk away with hope and that's the big thing."
Andys Man Club Romford meet every Monday outside the the main entrance of Queen's Hospital, with the meeting lasting from 7pm until 9pm.
For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Share