As we explain at the bottom of this post, the Trust welfare team aims to be here for the members and fans in times of need. As it is Christmas and the holiday season, a special time of year for some, we also recognize it can be a difficult time for others. The Trust quietly works throughout the year with several local organizations that provide support and assistance to those in need. While we do not trumpet our efforts, we do acknowledge the work these agencies provide, especially our recent drive to increase awareness of “Andysmanclub a national organization specializing in support for men and their families when mental health issues become overwhelming. You can read more about Andysmanclub on our website HERE and other testimonials HERE
We asked local Facilitator Derek Robinson before Christmas if he could pen something about the Andysmanclub and its role for him. What Derek wrote we publish “as is”, it is poignant, honest and moving,
WE URGE ALL TO READ IT, and if not now, maybe it’s something you can come back to, whilst football is our common denominator, things much larger take over!.
Here is what Derek wanted to say.
Hello, my name is Derek and I’m the Lead Facilitator at Rochdale-Spotland Andys Man Club.
Before I tell you about my journey, a difficult path I never thought I would have to embark on, I simply wish to thank the amazing welfare team in the Rochdale Supporters Trust, the Daletrust to you and me who have quietly facilitated, advised, guided and supported me through my journey to where I can write these words from my heart today, they understood me, they have been and continue to be there for me now and as I have now found out, they are and have been there for many, many other fans over the years, its work they tend to understate, it is not all about kicking a ball, shouting and getting annoyed about the game for them its about us, the fan as a whole, something I did not appreciate till recently, so here is my story…
I heard about Andys Man Club in 2020 when someone I supported in my job needed help with their mental health issues. Of course, we were still in the grips of the pandemic and didn’t return to normal until later.
I was working with people with Mental health issues but I was struggling with my life crisis.
In 2022 my wife became unwell and I had to take a lesser role at work as I was needed at home. By Jan 2023 she had a terminal illness diagnosis and by March 2023 I had to give my notice on a job that I’d done for almost 20 years.
So I became my wife’s full-time carer and by the end of 2023, we’d sought help from carers.
Life moves on so quickly, and we’d have to move out of our family home, which we’d had since 1995, and into a Bungalow because we needed adapted living.
Life was very traumatic for my wife and me; we’ve been together for over 30yrs and I had to come to terms with the fact that we wouldn’t grow old together.
So, you may be thinking where does Andy Man Club fit into this story?
Well, the person I supported in my job was helped out by AMC and in March 2023 I made that first step………although I was guided by my wife I walked through that door. At the door of my Football Club Rochdale Afc Andys Man Club, at first, I didn’t think I’d talk as I thought “I don’t need to talk” and “I don’t need help”. But I did, and still do, I met up with an old school friend and then another. I WAS HOME.
By Aug 2023 I was invited to become a Facilitator for Andysmanclub at Spotland and it’s been a total honour, one that I’m proud of, going from thinking that I’d not talk and didn’t need help well I did.
Now with my fellow Brothers-in-life, we meet up on a Monday night and chat and listen to each other’s life stories. I’ve gained so many friends who I know will have my back when needed, Andys Man Club is something different. I’ve done the one-to-one counselling while I was still attending AMC and am part of a team of lads who are attending events and doing the meet and greets with companies who want to know more about what goes on at Andys Man Club.
So is it okay to talk? You bet your life, it’s saved my marriage and my life.
Without Andys Man Club I don’t know where I’d be, without my Brothers-in-life I don’t know where I’d be.
So where are we at now Dec 2024? We had up to 40 men coming on a Monday night so we opened a new group in Milnrow at the Cricket Club but we still have around 30 men who come to the Community hub/Our Spot under Pearl Street Stand every Monday. The space is a safe space where men over 18 can come and get life’s stresses off their chest, I’m now Lead Facilitator which I’m honoured with. Rochdale Afc is a MASSIVE part of Andys Man Club journey because it’s allowed us to use the room and also have an Awareness table at all home games in the Dale Bar and Ratcliffe-Bar, I’ve met Co-Chairman Simon Gauge (which was a very proud moment for me)and the Commercial manager, Andy Duff.. We’ve also done Bucket collections that have allowed the charity to continue reaching out to the local community. I’m proud that Rochdale AFC is my Club and AMC Rochdale is my home, I would love to continue building on the fantastic relationship with Rochdale and maybe do a Podcast with Mr Gauge and perhaps Ian Henderson? as it’s his testimonial year to help promote Mental health awareness/issues in Sport.
Recently we’ve been on the local radio station Roch Valley Radio and our aim is to do interviews on Crescent Radio and Happy Radio, we’re also working towards a regular spot with David Dockerty on his radio show in Bolton.
Andys Man Club is advertised on billboards around the town and we have banners on the roadsides trying to help spread the word.
This is my testimony, do you feel like you’ve nowhere to turn to now?
The kettle will be on and a few biccies will be waiting for you. Every Monday from 7pm-9pm (except Bank Holidays) at over 240 groups nationwide so have a look at www.andysmanclub.co.uk
#itsokaytotalk
#andysmanclub
#mentalhealthawareness