A Morecambe rock band are using their latest song - and tour - to get men talking about their mental health.
Massive Wagons recently released new single, ‘Night Skies’, which tackles the subject of mental health.
The band are now partnering with Andy’s Man Club, taking the charity on the road with them for their UK headline tour in November.
Andy's Man Club are a men's suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups, for men over 18 going through tough periods in their lives, with approximately 225 clubs meeting weekly across the UK and online.
Clubs are free to attend with no registration required. Andrew Roberts, after whom the club is named, was only 23 years old when he took his own life. On average one man every two hours takes his life in the UK.
Guitarist from the band, Adam Thistlethwaite, said: "We couldn’t be more onboard with what Andy’s Man Club stand for and their message.
‘’Their team are lovely people and it’s a real bonus for us to spread their word along with our music. It can be hard for anyone to admit they are having a difficult time, but focusing on breaking down the social and mental blocks that make it especially difficult for some men to come forward, that has been sorely needed and is highly commendable.
‘’I just hope that our involvement with Andy’s Man Club further spreads this message and encourages more people to take that first step, and speaking from personal experience it really does help."
The charity will have a stall in the foyer of each venue, with facilitators from local Andy's Man Clubs at each UK tour date, roaming as welcoming "sweepers" amongst attendees, handing out wristbands, and sharing details of their local club meetings for more support.
There will also be on stage talks during band changeovers and an interactive installation posing the five questions each meeting is structured around, for gig goers to answer.
Luke, the charity's North West Area Lead, said: "Myself and everyone here at Andy’s Man Club would like to thank Massive Wagons for collaborating with us and are kind enough to invite us on their UK tour, helping us raise awareness and spread the message that it’s ok to talk.
‘’We can’t wait to meet you all on all seven of the UK tour dates. Please make sure you stop by our stall for a chat."
Frontman of Massive Wagons, Baz Mills, said: "I really never expected the reaction we got from people for ‘Night Skies’. I mean there is the reaction about the song, which was great, but then there is the reaction to the message, which was proper overwhelming!
‘’The inbox messages we have had, while on one hand are a tough read, on the other hand are people talking, which is the goal isn't it, to open up, people are opening up, and that really warms my heart, knowing the song and its message have potentially contributed to people's decision to talk about personal issues that are harming their mental health.
‘’While we were pushing all of the mental health lifelines out there, the ones who cater for specific ages, genders, or sexualities, we have had the biggest reaction for the song from men.
‘’We have had a lot of personal messages from fellas who are really starting to shake the stigma attached to men speaking about mental health, and that's why we have teamed up with Andy’s Man Club to take their show on the road with us!
‘’There seems to be a real movement in men's mental health at the moment, and Andy’s Man Club are one of those at the very centre, extremely well organised and motivated to help blokes who just don't seem to feel like they have anyone to turn to.’’
To find out more about Andy's Man Club, email info@andysmanclub.co.uk or head to www.andysmanclub.co.uk
To see all dates and get tickets, visit massivewagons.com/live.
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