In 2022, the rate of suicide mortality in men was 2.9 times as high as the rate for women.

This higher rate of suicide amongst men is extremely concerning, especially when men are less likely to seek help for mental health problems.

It can be difficult to speak about these issues, but Andy’s Man Club is finding a large number of men attending their meetings in Dunfermline.

At the end of January, 55 men met across the charity’s two venues. Andy’s Man Club aims to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and to create a judgement free space where men can open up and listen.

Kenny Armour, project development champion at Andy’s Man Club, said of the number of people attending meetings: “It’s obviously needed, and it’s good to see that people are reaching out.”

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There is still a lot of stigma surrounding men reaching out for support. People still worry that they may be seen in a negative light for admitting that they need help.

Kenny added: “There’s obviously the stigma and it all depends on where we go, different workplaces still have that stigma.

“It slowly is getting there, but there is obviously a long way to go.”

The club takes its name from Andrew Roberts, who sadly ended his life aged 23 in early 2016. His family did not know that he was suffering so much and decided to look deeper into male suicide and men’s mental health.

Getting support for your mental wellbeing is a difficult step to take, but it is an opportunity to speak to others in a non-judgemental environment, or even just to listen.

“It’s one of the hardest steps to take is walking through the door, but being the hardest, it’s probably one of the best as well.” Kenny said.

Andy’s Man Club is run across the United Kingdom and as well as in Dunfermline, it also has meetings in Kelty and Rosyth, with a Cowdenbeath branch also available. All are free to attend.

Anyone interested in going along to a meeting can get in touch with the club on their website.