A quiet revolution is happening in Rochdale every Monday evening. Across the town, men are choosing conversation over silence, support over struggle. They’re not meeting to watch football or have a pint, they’re showing up to talk, openly and without judgment. This is Andy’s Man Club.
Each week, groups meet at the Crown Oil Arena, Mayfield ARLFC in Castleton, and Milnrow Cricket Club.
Men of all ages and backgrounds come through the doors, welcomed with no pressure, no judgment, and no need to book. They sit in circles, guided by facilitators, and work through five structured questions, from how their week has been to what they need to get off their chest.
The format is simple, but the impact is profound: a space where showing emotion isn’t a weakness, it is a strength, and where speaking up can mean survival.
Vincent Yates, lead facilitator at the Crown Oil Arena, knows first-hand the transformative power of these meetings. He said: “I have now been attending for over three years. I don’t know where I would be without being at the club.
“The impact it has had on me has made me realise it’s okay to talk about issues and show emotion. I have regained my confidence in speaking to a group of strangers where I wasn’t confident at all.”
The Rochdale groups are run from the guidelines that each group has, meaning each group has the same format throughout the UK.
Vincent added: “A typical Monday night, we welcome everyone whether they are new or are returning.
“At 7pm, we sit in a circle. The lead facilitator goes through the rules because we have guidelines; it’s confidential, we don’t allow any recording devices, what is said in the room stays in the room.”
Vincent concluded, “I would say give it a try, as you never know if it can help unless you try. We are a friendly bunch, there is free tea, coffee, and biscuits.”
Local meeting details
Every Monday from 7pm to 9pm (except Bank Holidays) at the following locations:
Online support groups are available for people who have social anxiety or mobility issues who would struggle to go to the group sessions.
For more information visit:
