Our CEO is encouraging more men to talk about mental health to help reduce Cumbria’s high suicide rate

Posted on January 23, 2024 | News

Nicky Gordon, our chief executive, is encouraging more men to talk about their mental health to help reduce high rates of suicide across Cumbria.

Russell Armer Homes, and its parent company Genesis Homes, has chosen male suicide prevention organisation ANDYSMANCLUB as our charity of the year for 2024, and will raise money for, and awareness of, the charity which hosts weekly sessions welcoming men to open up about their feelings.

Nicky has been touched by the great work ANDYSMANCLUB has done nationwide to break down the stigma of men’s mental health. 

By selecting it as our charity of the year, he wants to support ANDYSMANCLUB expansion in Cumbria with sessions every Monday at 7pm to be held at Barrow AFC from February 12. 

Figures released from the Office of National Statistics revealed that Cumbria has a 50 per cent higher suicide rate than the England average, with Barrow placed fifth for the highest suicide rate by district.

Nicky said: “It is heartbreaking to read the stats about the high level of suicides in Cumbria. The facts are in black and white that 74% of suicides in the UK involve men, and measures need to be implemented to try to reduce this worrying trend.

“For whatever reason, there has always been a stigma around men showing emotion, talking about their mental health, letting others know they’re struggling as if it is some sort of weakness. 

“What ANDYSMANCLUB  does is let men know that it’s not a sign of weakness. Conversely, it is okay to talk and share your feelings – that to me shows bravery.

“I have heard so much positivity about ANDYSMANCLUB and how their weekly sessions can provide lifelines for men having a tough time by bringing people together every Monday evening and letting them know they’re not alone in whatever fight they’re fighting.

“The charity has proven that talking can save lives, and we want the whole of Cumbria to throw its weight behind this amazing charity and that is why we are so passionate about supporting ANDYSMANCLUB as a business.”

ANDYSMANCLUB was established seven years ago following the death of Andrew Roberts, who died of suicide at the age of 23, to offer a place men could gather regularly and talk about their mental health in a non-judgmental environment.

The charity now has more than 170 locations throughout the UK, with further clubs to open in the coming months.

Lucas Whitehead, the Head of Marketing and Partnerships at ANDYSMANCLUB, said: “Thank you to Russell Armer Homes for selecting ANDYSMANCLUB as their charity of the year for 2024. In 2023, we opened our doors to the men of Cumbria for the first time in Workington and we are set to open in Barrow-in-Furness in February.

“This partnership could not come at a better time, as we look to expand into the wider region. We can’t wait to work with Russell Armer Homes going forward.”

To promote wellbeing at work, Nicky has introduced a number of initiatives at Russell Armer Homes including regular staff social events, monthly wellbeing walks and encouraged staff to be trained in mental health first aid.

In 2023, our companies raised more than £45,000 for its charity of the year, Annie Mawson’s Sunbeams Music Trust.

More details about ANDYSMANCLUB and where sessions are held can be found at www.andysmanclub.co.uk.