Men's mental health group comes to Somerset town

A suicide prevention charity is meeting for the first time to offer open discussions about men's mental health.

Andysmanclub, named after a man called Andrew Roberts who took his own life, will be running sessions in Taunton in Somerset.

The group says it will run free peer-to-peer support sessions each week, where men can speak openly to each other and share their struggles.

The South West area lead for the charity, Steve Doyle, said: "Having a space where you can go along and speak very openly to people who may have gone through similar things, and get what you're talking about, can be very powerful in helping you move on."

Mr Doyle said anyone who identifies as a man and is over 18 years old can come along to one of the sessions, which will take place every Monday evening at Nightingale Lodge on E Reach.

"Everyone has some kind of struggle with their mental health at some point during their lives," Mr Doyle said.

"I came to Andysmanclub in January 2022. I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression.

"I was more honest there than I was in my counselling sessions or towards my family and friends. There were guys there who had been in similar situations, and were further along the line from it."

Mr Doyle said there is "no pressure" to share anything, everyone who attends is invited to speak as much or little as they would like.

"The first night is always nerve racking because you put the sign outside and you never know how many people will come along," he added.

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook, Instagram and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.