'This group has definitely saved my life' - Fifers with mental health issues speak out about support club

The club was created in 2016 by Elaine Roberts and Luke Ambler, after Andrew Roberts, Elaine’s son took his own life aged 23.

After Andrew’s passing, Andy’s Man Club was born for men aged 18 and above where they can speak openly about their mental health in a judgment-free, non-clinical environment.

The club now has three groups in Fife located in Glenrothes, Dunfermline, and St Andrews, with over 40 other locations across the United Kingdom.

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Chris Busst, AMC Glenrothes facilitator, said: “I attend Andy’s Man Club to help with my depression, anxiety and CPTSD which was having a detrimental effect on my relationship with my wife and kids.

"After several attempts at suicide and losing my late father in law to suicide, my wife made sure I was going as I kept putting it off.

"I needed to attend somewhere that I could build my self esteem, share my problems with men and more importantly for me to help others.

"My intentions were to open an AMC in Glenrothes, but I needed to ensure that I knew what I was doing, and that my mental health was improving first.”

Chris adds that the club has been key to saving his life, and the friendships that he has made at the clubs will last a lifetime.

"Attending AMC has definitely saved my life, and the gentlemen that I’ve met are friends for life,” he added.

"I am ever grateful to Andy’s Man Club for giving me the opportunity to open a club in Glenrothes, and I hope it has helped the current members who attend.

"We always accept people for who they are, and we will help any newcomers as much as we possibly can.

"I have been the new guy and understand the daunting prospect of walking into a room full of new faces, but there are no judgements made – it’s more of a pat on the back and encouragement for having the courage to walk through the door in the first place.”

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