A WELL KNOWN men's mental health group will branch into the county in the new year- opening their first branch in Workington.

The new group will open in January and allow men in the county to come together and talk about their mental health after Workington man Steven Brown found the area to be 'in desperate need' of an organisation of this kind.

The 117th club nationwide will be launched in the town on January, 16 and will provide a weekly group for men- being hosted from Workington Town ground Derwent Park, Workington.

Neil Wayne one of the organisations founders, said :"ANDYSMANCLUB is delighted to announce the opening of its 117th club nationwide - ANDYSMANCLUB Workington

"This marks our first step into Cumbria. We are aware of the alarming rate of male suicide in rural communities and are hopeful of making a positive impact in Workington, and the wider region by showing men that it's okay to talk."

Organiser and Andy's Man Club co-ordinator Steven Brown said: "I first heard of Andy's Man Club about 12 months ago which is a men's pier to pier support group for men who are struggling.

"I realised that this area was in desperate need of that support as suicide is the biggest killer of men between 18 and 50, so I decided to get the wheels turning and to open a club in Workington. We contacted WTRLFC and they kindly offered us the venue for the club to open.

"We now have some great lads (all volunteers) who have completed AMC facilitator's training and we're ready to open.

"So if any man over the age of 18 is struggling please come and see us."

The group will run from Derwent Park every Monday at 7pm, excluding bank holidays, and is open to any man over the age of 18.

A spokesman for Workington Town RLFC said: "We are delighted to help by offering rooms at Derwent Park for the group to meet and we also intend to help by using our extensive social media reach and digital presence to help raise the awareness of the club and what crucial work it carries out.

"We hope Andys Man Club provides a support network that people need to improve their lives. For us as a Community club, there is no better feeling than helping others and Workington Town are delighted to partner with Andys Man club."