Ulverston gets Andy's Man Club due to Barrow success

The south Cumbrian town will be getting its own branch of the national charity, which focuses on raising awareness about men's mental health.

The Ulverston group will be based at the Gen2 Furness Skills Centre on the Lightburn Industrial Estate and will be opening its doors for the first time on Monday, December 2.

Andy Chambers was one of the original facilitators at Andy's Man Club in Barrow, helping to provide peer-to-peer support for other men looking to open up about their feelings.

He said: "After the success of Barrow, we've decided to branch out to my hometown of Ulverston and, thanks to Gen2, we've been able to find a location that is suitable to meet our requirements.

"What we offer is a free place to talk, totally confidential, with no judgement whatsoever.

"I want to make it as comfortable as possible for anyone who wants to come."

Read more: Barrow Andy's Man Club plan charity walk through Furness | The Mail

The club in Barrow was formed at the start of 2024 and has gone on to help over 1,000 attendees in that time, with Andy now looking to build upon and replicate those numbers.

"It's really important that we try to get this service here in Ulverston and I've been trying for the best part of six months," he said.

"The more people that are aware of it, the better - I really want to make this work.

"I've got a team of facilitators that are more than welcoming, they understand, they can provide empathy and, more importantly, there's brews and biscuits available."

Read more: Barrow AFC, Carlisle United game backs mental health chat | The Mail

As the club gets ready to greet new members, the team will be getting out and about in Ulverston to hopefully encourage more people to get involved.

They are aiming to host a stall at Ulverston Market and a charity walk has already been planned, which will see members walk from Barrow to Gen2 to welcome the new club.

You can find out more about the group by visiting their Facebook page.