Andy’s crew man up for lake walk
AMEN’S mental health group organised an Monday walk Hollingworth
Easter around Lake.
Andy’s Man Club, which runs two mental health talking groups for men in Rochdale, hosted the walk on Monday which was attended by around 30 people - including those from the group in Bury.
The group usually meets at Mayfield Sports Club in Castleton and at the Crown Oil Arena every Monday night, but do not host the group sessions on bank holidays.
So organiser Brad Gartland, who set up the Rochdale group in October 2020, decided to host the lake walk instead to encourage the men and those not part of the group, such as family and friends, to get together. “There were dogs and families and an array of people of all ages there,” he said.
“On a bank holiday we don’t have an official group.
“To keep that community spirit and get people out the house we do a walk instead of a formal group.
“Normally the groups are for blokes over 18 but for the walks we open it up to the community to spread the message that it’s ok to talk and the positive benefits of walking outside.”
Andy’s Man Club Rochdale previously hosted a walk on the bank holiday Monday in January.
The latest walk began at 10am outside the Bridge chippy and lasted until 12.30pm.
Brad added: “I would have been in bed so the walk encourages people to get out as they’ve made that arrangement.
“It’s just a nice walk around and gets people to appreciate what’s on their doorstep.
“Restrictions have been eased and we can meet outside and meet up with lots of different people now.”
Brad also said that the walk also encourages people to have a chat with others while they are out and about.
He said: “It helps so many people, it’s a proven thing. If you make a promise and a commitment to people then you’re more likely to do it than going on your own.
“It encourages you to have that chat when you are out and about.”
For more information about Andy’s Man Club visit their Facebook page - www. facebook. com/ Andys- Man- Club- Rochdale-112828153933273