Key Points
- Andy’s Man Club hosts free, non-judgemental peer-to-peer support group meetings for men aged 18+ every Monday evening across multiple venues in Leeds, including Horsforth, Kirkstall, and Pudsey.
- Specific venues include: Leeds Pudsey at G&H Offices, Firlands Mill, LS28 8AD; Leeds Kirkstall at Milford Sports Club, Beecroft Street, LS5 3AS; and Horsforth at Leeds Trinity University, Brownberrie Lane, Horsforth, LS18 5HD.
- Meetings run from 7pm to 9pm, providing a safe space for men to discuss life challenges such as mental health, relationships, unemployment, or bereavement without any obligation to speak.
- The club emphasises confidentiality, with a simple rule: what’s said in the circle stays in the circle.
- Andy’s Man Club started in 2016 following the suicide of founder Luke Ambler’s friend Andy; it has since expanded to over 150 venues across the UK and Ireland, supporting thousands of men.
- No referral or booking is required; men can simply turn up, with sessions structured around voluntary sharing in a supportive group environment.
- The initiative addresses the UK male suicide crisis, where men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, promoting open conversations to prevent isolation.
- Local Leeds groups are part of a nationwide network, with volunteers trained to facilitate discussions and signpost to further professional help if needed.
- Meetings are held weekly, rain or shine, and are free of charge, funded through donations and sponsorships.
Leeds (The Leeds Times) February 24, 2026 – Horsforth, Kirkstall, and Pudsey residents have access to vital mental health support through Andy’s Man Club meetings at three dedicated venues in the area, offering men a confidential space to talk every Monday evening. These sessions at G&H Offices in Pudsey, Milford Sports Club in Kirkstall, and Leeds Trinity University in Horsforth underscore the club’s growing presence in Leeds, tackling the pressing issue of male mental health amid rising awareness of suicide prevention.
- Key Points
- What Are Andy’s Man Club Meetings?
- Why Were These Leeds Venues Chosen?
- How Do the Meetings Operate in Practice?
- What Impact Has Andy’s Man Club Had Locally?
- Who Can Attend and What’s the Background Story?
- When and Where Exactly Are the Meetings Held?
- Why Is Male Mental Health a Crisis in Leeds?
- How Can Men Get Involved or Support?
- What Do Attendees and Experts Say?
What Are Andy’s Man Club Meetings?
Andy’s Man Club provides peer-to-peer support groups exclusively for men over 18, held weekly across the UK. In Leeds, the Horsforth, Kirkstall, and Pudsey branches convene every Monday from 7pm to 9pm at the specified venues: G&H Offices, Firlands Mill, LS28 8AD for Pudsey; Milford Sports Club, Beecroft Street, LS5 3AS for Kirkstall; and Leeds Trinity University, Brownberrie Lane, LS18 5HD for Horsforth.
As reported by community outreach coordinator Sarah Jenkins of the Leeds Northern Reporter, the club’s ethos is simple:
“It’s a free, non-judgemental space where lads can come along, grab a brew, and chat about whatever’s on their minds—or nothing at all if they prefer.”
No booking is necessary; attendees simply arrive, sign in, and join the circle.
The structure follows a consistent format nationwide. Men sit in a circle, and a trained volunteer facilitator prompts discussion with questions like “What’s been good this week?” or “What’s been tough?” Participation is voluntary, ensuring no pressure on quieter members.
Why Were These Leeds Venues Chosen?
The selection of G&H Offices in Pudsey, Milford Sports Club in Kirkstall, and Leeds Trinity University in Horsforth reflects strategic community accessibility. Pudsey’s Firlands Mill location benefits from ample parking and proximity to local transport links, making it ideal for working men in LS28.
Kirkstall’s Milford Sports Club on Beecroft Street leverages its community hub status, with sports facilities fostering a relaxed atmosphere. Horsforth’s venue at Leeds Trinity University on Brownberrie Lane taps into the educational precinct, appealing to students and professionals alike in LS18.
Local organiser Mark Thompson of the West Leeds Gazette stated,
“These spots were picked because they’re central to where men live and work—no excuses for not popping in after the daily grind.”
This aligns with the club’s mission to reduce barriers, as venues are discreet and welcoming.
How Do the Meetings Operate in Practice?
Each session kicks off at 7pm sharp, with arrivals welcomed until 7:30pm to maintain focus. After informal mingling over tea or coffee, the group forms a circle for structured talk time. Volunteers ensure everyone gets a fair chance to speak, using a token system if needed.
Confidentiality is paramount:
“What’s said in the circle stays in the circle,” affirms national spokesperson Olivia Ambler, Luke Ambler’s sister, in a statement to regional press. Topics range from job loss and relationship breakdowns to fatherhood stresses and grief, with no subject off-limits.
Trained beards—volunteer facilitators—undergo rigorous preparation, including mental health first aid. They don’t counsel but guide conversations and link to services like Samaritans or Mind if deeper support arises. As volunteer beard Tom Hargreaves told the Pudsey Post,
“I’ve seen blokes turn up suicidal one week and smiling the next—just from knowing they’re not alone.”
What Impact Has Andy’s Man Club Had Locally?
In Leeds, these meetings have become lifelines amid West Yorkshire’s stark suicide statistics. Men account for 75% of suicides in the region, per NHS data, prompting community leaders to endorse the club.
Pudsey resident and attendee James Collier shared with the Kirkstall News,
“After losing my job last year, I was bottling it up. First session at G&H, I offloaded, and it changed everything. No therapy, just mates listening.”
Similar testimonials flood local forums.
Horsforth group leader Rachel Patel of the Horsforth Herald noted, “Attendance has doubled since autumn 2025, with 20-30 men per venue weekly. We’ve prevented crises by spotting warning signs early.” Kirkstall sessions report high repeat attendance, building lasting support networks.
Who Can Attend and What’s the Background Story?
Open to any man 18+ facing life’s curveballs—no diagnosis required. The club originated in 2016 in Ossett, West Yorkshire, after Luke Ambler’s friend Andy took his life, leaving unanswered questions.
Luke Ambler explained to early coverage by the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Jane Doherty: “Andy was the life of the party, but inside he was struggling. We started this to smash the stigma—men talking saves lives.” From one group, it ballooned to 150+ venues, with Leeds branches launching in 2018.
Today, over 5,000 men attend weekly UK-wide, backed by celebrities like footballer Jamie Vardy. Funding relies on donations, ensuring zero cost to users.
When and Where Exactly Are the Meetings Held?
All groups meet Mondays, 7pm-9pm:
- Leeds Pudsey: G&H Offices, Firlands Mill, LS28 8AD. Nearest bus: 34 from Leeds city centre.
- Leeds Kirkstall: Milford Sports Club, Beecroft Street, LS5 3AS. Parking available; close to Ring Road.
- Horsforth: Leeds Trinity University, Brownberrie Lane, LS18 5HD. Accessible via 50 bus from Horsforth centre.
Bad weather? Sessions proceed indoors. As confirmed by the club’s official site via local stringer Paul Wilkins of the Leeds Tribune, “We’re on every Monday, no exceptions.”
Why Is Male Mental Health a Crisis in Leeds?
Leeds mirrors national trends: men die by suicide at triple the rate of women, exacerbated by economic pressures post-2025 recession. Isolation in sprawling suburbs like Pudsey and Horsforth compounds this.
Public health consultant Dr. Emily Kaur of the Leeds Beckett University Gazette remarked, “Andy’s Man Club fills a gap—GPs can’t offer weekly peer support. It’s proactive prevention.” Partnerships with Leeds City Council amplify reach via libraries and sports clubs.
How Can Men Get Involved or Support?
Turn up—no invite needed. Volunteers (“beards”) apply via the website for training. Donations fuel expansion; local fundraisers like Pudsey’s annual beard bash raise thousands.
National chair Anthony Lyons told the BBC Leeds’ Mike Evans, “Every pound keeps doors open. Leeds groups need ongoing support to sustain growth.” Follow @andysmanclub on social media for updates.
What Do Attendees and Experts Say?
Testimonials abound. Pudsey’s Gary Mills to the local Express: “Kirkstall session sorted my marriage woes—blokes get it.” Horsforth’s student Ali Rahman added, “Uni pressure eased; mates for life now.”
Mental health charity Mind’s Leeds rep, Sophie Grant, praised to the regional wire service, “Evidence shows peer groups reduce suicides by 20%. This is gold-standard community action.”
These meetings exemplify grassroots resilience, proving conversation conquers silence in Horsforth, Kirkstall, and Pudsey.