16 May 2025
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week.
As a society, we’ve made a lot of progress in how we talk about our mental health – but we still have more work to do.
Statistics show that 1 in 4 of us are affected by some kind of mental health condition each year. Many who suffer with their mental health often feel unable to speak out and keep their feelings bottled up – especially men.
From a young age, many men are still taught to be ashamed of showing weakness. Medical professionals have been calling out this old-fashioned attitude for being harmful to mental health for years now. Yet the idea that ‘real men’ – whatever that phrase means – should not show weakness still persists. This could partly explain why the suicide rate is so much higher among men than women: suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 50, and men are three times more likely to take their own lives than women.
Getting men talking is key to breaking the stigma around mental health. Listening is powerful, and we need to keep conversations going.
That’s where Andy’s Man Club comes in.
Founded in 2016, Andy’s Man Club is a nationwide charity that aims to get men talking about their mental health in a relaxed and confidential environment. Andy’s groups meet every Monday (except bank holidays) at 7pm, and there’s always a good brew to start. There are over 200 Andy’s groups across the country, including three in our borough: at the Library in the town centre, at Honeywell Sports Centre, and a new one at the Priory Centre in Lundwood.
If you’re a man and you’re having a tough time at the moment, I highly recommend that you visit your local Andy’s group. Walking through the door might seem daunting – but you won’t regret it.
Andy’s Man Club is not the only avenue open to men in Barnsley struggling with their mental health.
You could also go along to a Talk and Trims session, organised by the local charity DIAL. Every Monday from now until 6 October, you can get a free haircut while getting things off your chest by talking to a Community Development Officer. Be sure to check DIAL’s website to find out when and where these sessions will take place in the Barnsley region each week.
If you’re a new dad in our borough, you might also want to check out Dad Matters Barnsley. The team supports dads to access services and information to help make sense of being a new dad. They also support dads with anxiety, stress, and general mental health awareness. You can sign up for a New Dads Workshop on their website.
Of course, you don’t need to attend a group if you don’t want to – but you do need to talk.
You can get in touch with The Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123, and CALM between 5pm and midnight on 0800 585858.
Remember, you are not alone, and there is always support available. Let’s keep the conversation going and make mental health a priority for everyone.
Sometimes a good brew and a chat can make all the difference!