Andy’s Man Club, a UK suicide prevention movement originally started by nine men meeting in Yorkshire, has found that forests provide an excellent environment for open conversation and support.
One attendee, Andy ‘Barts’ Barton, had a profound realization while running through a forest. He explains, “It was like a light bulb moment. For a long time, I struggled to live in the moment. But then it hit me – my head was totally clear, I was surrounded by nature and the beautiful colours of the forest. I realised: this is living in the moment.”
Barton is part of the 5,000-plus men who regularly attend Andy’s Man Club. This charity for men’s suicide prevention offers free, peer-to-peer support groups throughout the UK every week.
Barton says, “Talking at Andy’s Man Club has saved my life. I was going through a really dark time, it helped me a lot. I thought it was only me that had these thoughts, but you realise you’re not alone. Sharing those feelings makes you part of a community.”
The first meeting of Andy’s Man Club, named after Andrew Roberts who took his own life at the age of 23, was held in Halifax, Yorkshire in 2016. Since then, the club has grown into a national charity with over 200 groups meeting every Monday across the UK. Their lifesaving work was recognised in 2021 with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Co-founder Luke Ambler, who is also brother-in-law of Andrew Roberts, explains, “When we first started, men weren’t really talking. They just needed a platform to do so, and now the attitude is definitely changing. It’s incredibly rewarding. It gives me something that nothing else ever does or will. I love leading Andy’s Man Club – it’s inspiring and impactful every single day.”
Andy’s Man Club has partnered with Forestry England to promote positive mental health through outdoor running events. Ambler says, “Forestry England has some spectacular sites. When the opportunity came for Andy’s Man Club to partner with them, it was a match made in heaven. We’re able to take what we do nationally in these rooms and create events out there in the beautiful scenery of England.”
Since this partnership began in 2022, over 1,000 people have connected with each other and nature through these events. They offer everything from 1km to 10km running routes, as well as more leisurely walking trails, catering to all abilities.
Barton says, “I do believe that forest bathing is good for you. To be in the middle of the trees and being such a part of nature is incredible. It’s total escapism for me. It aligns perfectly with a Monday night at Andy’s Man Club. It gets all the negativity out of my head and just relaxes me.”
Ambler has also seen the impact of the collaboration up close. “It’s a beautiful thing to bring several hundred people together to have a run. For me to be able to do something like that with my daughter is brilliant. These events are really important because it’s not just about getting men talking, it’s more than that: it’s about getting people together.”
The charity’s success aligns with current research that links regular exercise and time in nature with improved mental health outcomes. Ambler concludes, “We want to reach more people. Working with Forestry England is incredibly important, and we’ve got to keep these events going to maximise awareness and break down stigmas. It’s a vital part of who we are and what we do.”
In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123.
Images: Andy Barton photographed at Westonbirt Arboretum, a Forestry England site, by Alexander Turner
