Andy's Man Club has been awarded a generous £17,000 donation by Rochdale Borough Council this May through a unique national recycling scheme. The funding is generated by carefully recycling metals recovered after cremations, such as artificial joints and coffin fittings. Since its launch, the scheme has raised over £20 million for various good causes across the UK.
Supporting Men's Mental Health
The latest donation will go directly to the men's mental health charity, which originally began in 2016 when nine men gathered to talk. The group was formed after co-founder Luke Ambler sadly lost his brother-in-law, Andrew Roberts, to suicide. Luke and Andy's mother, Elaine, wanted to spare other families the devastating loss caused by mental health struggles, inspiring them to start the club.
The popular charity now runs more than 350 weekly groups across the country, including four thriving groups in the Rochdale borough. The vital funds are earmarked to help support men and their families in ending the stigma surrounding men's mental health. It provides a judgment-free, supportive environment where everyone knows it is completely okay to talk.
Council Praise
Councillor Tricia Ayrton from the council said: “Andy’s Man Club is a very deserving recipient of this donation. Now in its 10th year, the charity supports men and their families by encouraging open conversations about mental health, offering help during difficult times and reminding them they are not alone. Its weekly groups give people the chance to meet others, whether they want to talk or simply listen. This donation has been made possible by families and friends across the borough who kindly gave consent for metals to be recycled after the loss of a loved one. I thank them for their support of the scheme, which helps vital charities like this continue helping people when they need it most.”
Funding Allocation
The funding will help pay for venue hire, refreshments, and vital awareness-raising work across the community. Lucas Whitehead from Andy’s Man Club added: “We are extremely grateful for the generosity and the continued support of Rochdale Borough Council in their donation of £17,000 to Andy’s Man Club. As a donation-led charity, contributions of this kind ensure we can continue running as a charity, with money going directly to venue costs, refreshment costs, and into vital awareness-raising work that is taking place in communities across Greater Manchester and the UK. Thank you for your continued support.”
The donation ensures that local men will continue to have a safe space to turn to when they need it most. For more details on where to find your nearest local group or how to support the charity, you can visit their official website.
