The big Cumbrian derby was just as important away from the football pitch as it was on it.

That is because two charities were using the hotly-anticipated occasion, which saw Barrow AFC travel to Carlisle United's Brunton Park on Saturday (August 17), to encourage men to open up about their mental health.

Football rivalries were put to one side as the Andy's Man Clubs from Barrow and Carlisle came together in the fan zone prior to the game.

The charity groups, formed to prevent male suicide and to provide a regular space for men to talk, were promoting their ongoing work in the community, as well as breaking the stigma when it comes to having vulnerable conversations.

The Barrow AFC and Carlisle United players sported Andy's Man Club t-shirts before the game (Image: Shaun Hannoway)

Shaun Hannaway, lead facilitator at Barrow AMC, said: "We got to speak to men, women and children about the importance of talking through your struggles.  

"It was also nice to be joined by Tom Piatak and his family [the new owners of Carlisle United] and sharing a few minutes talking about how both football clubs are helping to break the stigma surrounding men's mental health."

Read more: Barrow AFC works with Andy's Man Club for first ever event | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)

The Carlisle branch explained why it is so important that the charities appealed to the footballing community.

A spokesperson commented: "These awareness days at big events reach a wider audience - it’s all about getting the message across that it's okay to talk, and getting to speak to people that don’t know what Andy's Man Club is about.

"Finally, for all the lads involved helping keep the clubs open every week to get applauded whilst walking to the seats makes us all feel warm inside and further breaks the stigma."

The clubs came together in the fan zone ahead of the derbyThe clubs came together in the fan zone ahead of the derby (Image: Shaun Hannoway)

Read more: Barrow Andy's Man Club surpasses 1,000 attendees since launch | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)

Both AMCs are based at their respective football clubs, where they host weekly sessions inviting men to simply have a chat over a hot drink.

Barrow AFC and the events team, spearheaded by Rachel Warburton, have already agreed to host the groups in the reverse fixture later in the season at the SO Legal Stadium.

For more information, you can visit the Barrow AMC and Carlisle AMC Facebook pages, or email info@andysmanclub.co.uk.