A GROUP for men to open up about their emotions is being set up in Bradford.

Serial fundraiser Jamie Boyle, who has raised cash for numerous charitable causes, said an Andy’s Man Club would be coming to the district in the near future.

The club was set up by rugby league player Luke Ambler following the suicide of his brother-in-law Andy Roberts, a 23-year-old father of one.

It started as a small support group in Halifax but has grown across the UK.

Mr Boyle, who has suffered personal problems of his own, said: “It is very important. Something like this is saving people’s lives and we are setting one up in Bradford very soon.

“It is a place where men can go and talk. Suicide is the biggest killer of men aged 18 to 45.

“There is a big call in Bradford and Keighley for an Andy’s Man Club where men can just go and talk.”

On his own problems, Mr Boyle, 38, of Wibsey, said: “I was having personal issues where I was feeling depressed and anxious. But men are good at hiding this stuff. The way I dealt with it was to do a 500-mile bike ride and a 26-mile charity walk. People thought I was OK, but the depression and anxiety were there.

“I had no-one to talk to, as I didn’t want to put pressure on anyone.”

Mr Boyle said updates on the new Bradford group - which could be in the city centre or Queensbury - would be posted on the Andy Man’s Club Facebook page.

Mr Boyle, who goes to club meetings in Halifax, added: “You can go to the doctors and get given tablets and just feel like you’ve been to Tesco Express.

“At these groups, people don’t judge. It is about talking and listening, with a coffee and a bun.

“It is one big massive family. And it is not just helping yourself, it is helping others as well.

“With these groups, you don’t have to have suicidal thoughts. It could be anything from a parking ticket you can’t deal with, to anxiety. Us men don’t talk about our emotions and men don’t cry. You are not meant to cry.

“But we do and it’s OK.”

He added: “You just don’t want to be a burden to anyone. You might have those days where you feel you don’t want to go to work that day. But some people are not lucky enough to be able to pick themselves up and get on with it. We want people to know there is help out there and people to talk to.”

Visit http://andysmanclub.co.uk/ or search Andy’s Man Club on Facebook.

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