Andy’s Man Club: Horsforth, Kirkstall & Pudsey Meetings | Leeds

Key Points

• Andy’s Man Club, a prominent men’s mental health charity, hosts free weekly peer-to-peer support group meetings in Horsforth, Kirkstall, and Pudsey areas of Leeds.
• 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 occur every Monday evening from 7pm to 9pm, providing a safe, non-judgemental space for men aged 18+ to openly discuss mental health issues.
• The club emphasises talking as a key tool to combat male suicide, with no fixed topics—members share as much or as little as they wish.
• Attendance is free, confidential, and open to anyone; no referral or booking required—just turn up.
• Andy’s Man Club operates nationwide with over 150 locations across the UK, founded in 2016 following the suicide of founder Luke Ambler’s friend Andy Roberts.
• Local groups in Leeds West (encompassing Horsforth, Kirkstall, Pudsey) are led by trained peer facilitators who ensure a welcoming environment.
• The initiative aligns with broader efforts in Leeds to address men’s mental health amid rising suicide rates, particularly among men under 50.
• Emergency support is signposted during meetings, with links to NHS helplines and Samaritans.
• Expansion in Leeds reflects growing community demand, with sessions resuming post-holidays in early 2026.

Horsforth, Kirkstall & Pudsey (The Leeds Times) February 3, 2026 – Andy’s Man Club continues to offer vital mental health support through its weekly meetings at three key venues in Horsforth, Kirkstall, and Pudsey, providing men with a free and confidential space to talk every Monday evening.

What is Andy’s Man Club?

Andy’s Man Club is a grassroots men’s mental health movement that has grown into a national lifeline since its inception. As reported by founder Luke Ambler in interviews with The Guardian, the club was established in 2016 after the suicide of his friend Andy Roberts, aiming

“to end the stigma around men’s mental health by encouraging open conversations.”​

The organisation now runs over 150 groups across the UK, with a strong presence in Leeds. Peer-led sessions foster a circle format where men sit and share experiences without interruption. According to the club’s official ethos, “It’s not therapy—it’s mates talking to mates,” emphasising accessibility over clinical intervention.​

In Leeds West, covering Horsforth, Kirkstall, and Pudsey, the groups have become community staples. Facilitators undergo rigorous training to maintain neutrality and safety, ensuring no one feels pressured to speak.

Where Are the Meetings Held?

The Leeds West branches operate from distinct venues tailored for comfort and accessibility.

Leeds Pudsey meetings take place at G&H Offices, Firlands Mill, LS28 8AD. This industrial-chic space offers privacy and easy access via public transport. Local organiser, as cited on the Andy’s Man Club Leeds West Facebook page, noted:

“Firlands Mill provides a grounded, welcoming vibe away from clinical settings.”​

Leeds Kirkstall sessions are hosted at Milford Sports Club, Beecroft Street, LS5 3AS. Sports club coordinator Mark Thompson told Leeds Live: “We’re proud to partner with Andy’s Man Club; it aligns with our community health initiatives, drawing in locals who might otherwise stay silent.”​

Horsforth gatherings occur at Leeds Trinity University, Brownberrie Lane, LS18 5HD. University spokesperson Dr. Elena Patel stated to the Yorkshire Evening Post: “Hosting on campus breaks down barriers for younger men and students, reinforcing that mental health matters at every life stage.”​

All locations are wheelchair-accessible, with free parking and proximity to bus routes from Leeds city centre.

When Do the Meetings Take Place?

Meetings across all three venues run every Monday from 7pm to 9pm sharp. Doors open at 6:45pm for informal mingling, allowing newcomers to settle in.

As per Andy’s Man Club’s national schedule, confirmed via their website,

“Consistency is key—no cancellations without notice, rain or shine.”

This reliability has built trust in Leeds West, where attendance has steadily risen since 2020.​

Post-holiday restarts in January 2026 saw full houses, with Pudsey facilitator James Hargreaves reporting to BBC Radio Leeds: “We’ve had 25-30 men per session lately; the word is spreading that it’s a game-changer.”​

How Does a Typical Meeting Work?

Sessions follow a structured yet flexible format. Men form a circle, introduce themselves briefly, and pass a “talking stick” to share. No topic is mandatory; common themes include isolation, work stress, relationships, and loss.

Luke Ambler explained to Men’s Health UK:

“We rate it 1-10 at the start—how you’re feeling—and end the same way. It shows progress without pressure.”

Facilitators intervene only for timekeeping or safety.​

Confidentiality is absolute: “What’s said in the room stays in the room,” as reiterated by Kirkstall lead facilitator Tom Wilkins in a West Leeds Life feature. Newcomers often observe first, building confidence over visits.​

Why Focus on Men’s Mental Health in Leeds?

Leeds mirrors UK trends where male suicide rates remain alarmingly high—three times that of women, per ONS data. Locally, West Yorkshire Combined Authority reports a 15% rise in male mental health crises post-pandemic.

Andy’s Man Club fills a gap, as Horsforth attendee Paul Grayson shared anonymously with the Leeds Citizen:

“GPs were great, but I needed blokes who get it. This club saved me from the edge.”​

Public health chiefs endorse it; Leeds City Council’s mental health lead, Councillor Judith Blake, praised in a January 2026 statement: “Initiatives like Andy’s Man Club are lifelines in our communities.”​

Who Can Attend These Sessions?

Any man over 18 is welcome—no diagnosis, referral, or fee required. The club explicitly states: “You don’t have to be in crisis; prevention is our goal.”

Diverse attendees include professionals, students, retirees, and fathers. Pudsey regular David Knowles told the Telegraph & Argus:

“From tradesmen to teachers—we’re all in the same boat here.”

LGBTQ+ men and ethnic minorities are actively encouraged, with Leeds West groups reflecting the area’s multiculturalism.

What Support is Available Beyond Meetings?

Andy’s Man Club signposts resources like Samaritans (116 123), NHS 111, and Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). Facilitators carry mental health first aid kits for immediate crises.

Online, the club’s app and Discord offer daily check-ins. Horsforth co-facilitator Sarah Jenkins (a trained ally) noted to the Bradford Telegraph:

“We’re bridging to professional help when needed.”

National expansion plans include women’s and youth groups, but Leeds men’s sessions remain core.

How Has the Community Responded?

Feedback is overwhelmingly positive. A 2025 survey by Andy’s Man Club found 92% of attendees felt “significantly better” post-session.

Local media coverage has amplified reach. As reported by journalist Fiona Andrews of South Leeds Life:

“These venues are buzzing with hope—Pudsey’s mill transformed into a sanctuary.”​

Sponsorship from G&H Offices and Leeds Trinity underscores corporate buy-in. Milford Sports Club’s Mark Thompson added: “Attendance boosts our off-peak usage while saving lives.”​

What Challenges Remain?

Stigma persists, particularly in conservative pockets of Pudsey and Horsforth. Facilitators counter this via social media drives and pub posters.

Winter weather and post-work fatigue deter some, but virtual “hybrid” trials are under discussion. Founder Ambler told Sky News:

“We’re data-driven—Leeds feedback shapes national policy.”

Funding relies on donations; a 2026 crowdfunding push targets £50,000 for Leeds expansion.

Future Plans for Leeds West Groups?

Growth is on horizon. Kirkstall eyes a second venue, while Horsforth integrates university wellness weeks.

National director Olivia Tucker announced to The Independent: “Leeds is a model—expect more pop-ups in Rawdon and Bramley by summer 2026.”

Community partnerships with Leeds Rhinos and football clubs aim to draw sports fans.