A leading North West homebuilder is pushing for increased male mental health discussions to combat high suicide rates in Cumbria.
The chief executive of Genesis Homes and Russel Armer Homes, Nicky Gordon, together with the charity ANDYSMANCLUB, is driving this effort.
Chosen as their charity of the year for 2024, the organisations will raise money and awareness for ANDYSMANCLUB, known for hosting weekly gatherings where men can freely express their feelings.
Mr Gordon has expressed admiration for ANDYSMANCLUB’s nationwide efforts to eradicate the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
Through endorsing it as the charity of the year, Mr Gordon hopes to support the charity’s growth in Cumbria.
The charity now has weekly meetings on Mondays 7pm at various locations including Carlisle United Community Trust, Whitehaven AFC, James Walker & Co in Cockermouth, Derwent Park in Workington and Grasslot Welfare Sports and Social Club in Maryport.
Mr Gordon said: "It is heart-breaking to read the stats about the high level of suicides in Cumbria.
"The facts are in black and white that 74 per cent of suicides in the UK involve men, and measures need to be implemented to try to reduce this worrying trend.
“For whatever reason, there has always been a stigma around men showing emotion, talking about their mental health and letting others know they’re struggling as if it is some sort of weakness."
He added: "I have heard so much positivity about ANDYSMANCLUB and how their weekly sessions can provide lifelines for men having a tough time by bringing people together every Monday evening and letting them know they’re not alone in whatever fight they're fighting."
The charity, founded seven years ago following the death by suicide of 23-year-old Andrew Roberts, provides non-judgemental spaces for men to discuss their mental health.
Currently, the charity operates at more than 170 locations across the UK with more openings on the horizon.
Lucas Whitehead, head of marketing and partnerships at ANDYSMANCLUB said: "Thank you to Genesis Homes for selecting ANDYSMANCLUB as its charity of the year for 2024.
"This partnership could not come at a better time as we look to expand into the wider region, including a new club in Barrow-in-Furness in February.
"We can’t wait to work with Genesis Homes going forward."
Mr Gordon has initiated several staff wellbeing activities at Genesis Homes, including regular social events, monthly wellbeing walks and mental health first aid training for staff members.
In 2023, Genesis Homes raised more than £45,000 for Annie Mawson’s Sunbeams Music Trust, its dedicated charity of the year.
More information on ANDYSMANCLUB and its sessions can be found on its website.
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