‘Without Andy’s Man Club I wouldn’t be here’

Men who have been helped by a suicide prevention charity have gathered at a rugby club to share their experiences.

Doncaster Knights director Sir Ian McGeechan, the former Scotland international and British & Irish Lions player, was speaking at the event organized in aid of Andy’s Man Club, a forum for men to come together and talk.

Sir Ian was joined by Rob Smith, who became the lead facilitator for the Doncaster charity groups after seeking help himself.

Mr Smith said: “Without Andy’s Man Club there’s a real chance I wouldn’t be here today.”

Andy’s Man Club was founded in 2016 by Halifax rugby league player Luke Ambler after his brother-in-law committed suicide, and now has 230 groups across the UK.

The charity aims to provide men with a safe space to talk about their mental health and supports over 4,500 people.

Mr Smith added: “When I was growing up you had to be a strong person, you couldn’t show weakness, so I never talked about my problems.

“The hardest part is that first step through the door.”

Mr Smith heard about the group online and said after his first session: “It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I didn’t talk much, but I just knew I wasn’t alone in the way I felt. I felt like it was all worth it.

“I started that first night when there were ten guys, last week we had over a hundred.”

During his keynote speech, Sir Ian discussed the demands, expectations and challenges he faced during the six Lions tours he was involved in as a player and later as a coach.

He talked about meeting fans, visiting schools and signing autographs.

“It’s not just about what happens on the pitch, it’s about providing a lot of support to young boys.”

The event also included a panel discussion on the issues facing men today.