‘It was quite powerful’: Men’s mental health charity ‘super proud’ to join monthly Mirfield run club
A men’s suicide prevention charity joined forces with a Mirfield run club last month at its latest jaunt around the picturesque town.
Andy’s Man Club was welcomed to the free monthly running club, hosted by local personal trainer Chris Matthews and Sands Lane based cafe Arthur’s, in June, where members of the charity raised awareness by handing out wristbands and giving a pre-run speech.
Approaching its tenth birthday, Andy’s Man Club offers free peer-to-peer support groups across the UK, with weekly sessions taking place at Mirfield Library every Monday evening from 7pm.
Daz Bland, of Andy’s Man Club, said: “We are super proud to be involved with Arthur’s and Chris Matthews and his run club. It has been fantastic to have been part of the day and part of the community.
“It is all about community. It is all about bringing people together, and allowing guys and women to talk and this event just sums that up.”
Established only in December, the popular running club has attracted special guests during its seven outings, including Spen Valley MP Kim Leadbeater and the local fire brigade.
Chris told the Reporter Series: “It was quite powerful to bring people together and raise awareness for men’s mental health, and doing pop-up events like this bridges the gap between being aware of Andy’s Man Club to actually going and having the confidence to attend a group.
“Bringing them into the group made them a real person and people got to meet the facilitators.
“We have been doing it for seven months now and it has snowballed. I was confident it would be popular, and that demand would be there for it, but we have nurtured a really nice community.”
Natalie Chappelow, co-owner of Arthur’s Cafe, added: “It’s amazing. It’s great for the local community and over the weeks and months you can see it is really building momentum.
“Chris has been great at getting the community together and it really is for everyone. It is an all-inclusive pace and it’s nice just having a chat with people who are like-minded.
“It was brilliant that Andy’s Man Club could come as it is a much-needed charity.”
The morning also saw Elland-based triathlon club, Trilab Racing, present a cheque worth £350 to Andy’s Man Club after some fundraising efforts.
The next run club will take place from Arthur’s Cafe this coming Saturday, July 11, from 8.30am.