Andy's Man Club has big boost after TV’s Emmerdale storyline
A men’s charity founded in Halifax received a huge response after being featured in an episode of TV soap Emmerdale.
Andy’s Man Club – which has several groups in Calderdale – was featured as part of a storyline on the long-running Yorkshire series that saw Paddy Kirk, played by Calder Valley actor Dominic Brunt, attend a session after struggling with his mental health and contemplating suicide.
Neil Waine, a project development champions for the charity, explained that he and others within the group had been consulted during the development of the storyline and that filming took place at one of the club’s sessions in Bradford.
Mr Waine said: “Paddy actually visited one. We filmed it with a few actors and a few of us from the club as extras.”
He said that since the episode aired earlier this year there has been a notable increase in the number of people attending the groups, with many citing the episode as being what made them aware of the charity.
Mr Waine said: “We average nearly 300 new people coming per week and the last one we had 400.
"A few said it was from seeing Emmerdale or seeing positive feedback it got on social media. It’s had a really good reach for us.
“It’s a double-edged sword for us in that it is really bad that we are needed but it’s really good that we are there. We are giving guys the opportunity to come to a safe space so they can get stuff off their chest.”
He added that the charity also filmed pieces that were used on the ITV website explaining the background of Andy’s Man Club and featuring emotional testimonials from those who had attended.
Speaking at the time of the screening Mr Brunt said it was privilege to be working alongside The Samaritans and Andy’s Man Club in highlighting this issue.
"It’s an inherent problem in today’s society that most men don’t talk enough about their problems. If this story can shine a light on the issue or make even a small change to someone’s outlook or viewpoint, then it will have been worth it.
The two-hour groups are held every Mondays except bank holidays at 7pm. Sessions are held in Calderdale including Halifax; Brighouse; Ainley Top and Hebden Bridge.