You studied both your undergraduate and PhD at Edinburgh Napier University. Any lasting memories?

“I loved being a student and living away from home and getting the "full experience" of university. I didn't do particularly well at school, however I found that when a taught subject was applied to something, in this case engineering, it just clicked.

“There were so many "firsts" while at university, first time I ever used the internet or first time I used a computer, for example. There are so many fond memories I have from my time at Edinburgh Napier!”

 

“Volunteering is one thing that I think everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. It's so rewarding and empowering. I saw it initially as giving back to charities that helped me when I needed it, but it is so much more than that. You gain new skills, meet new people and get such a sense of accomplishment.

“For me, the troubles I have gone through meant I could really connect and understand the people I help."

 

“ANDYSMANCLUB takes its name from Andrew Roberts, a man who sadly took his own life aged 23 in early 2016. Andy’s family had no inkling that he was suffering or struggling to the extent that he would do this, and as a result looked deeper into male suicide and men’s mental health. They soon discovered that male suicide is the biggest killer of men under 54, with male mental health surrounded by a well-ingrained cultural stigma in the UK.

“Elaine Roberts and Luke Ambler are Andy’s Mum and Brother-in-Law, together they came up with the idea of ANDYSMANCLUB, a group where men aged 18 and above can speak openly about their mental health in a judgment-free, non-clinical environment.

“Groups now operate throughout the UK and are completely volunteer-led, with all group facilitators having first interacted with ANDYSMANCLUB when they came through the door as a service user.

“ANDYSMANCLUB has free support groups nationwide, running every Monday from 7PM except bank holidays. In these groups, men can open up about the storms affecting their lives in a safe, judgement-free and non-clinical environment. Our clubs are designed to be free of pressure. There is no obligation for men to speak, they can simply listen if they wish.

“With thousands of men using our sessions every week, and an army of volunteers on board, the movement is continuing to grow week-by-week. We firmly believe in the power of talking and that #ItsOkayToTalk.

“The aim of the club is to provide men with a safe space where they feel comfortable to talk and open up about their experiences in a room free of judgment.”

 

“I am the Area Lead for Edinburgh, Lothian & Borders, and I’m responsible for looking after the existing clubs and volunteers, making sure everything runs as it should. Along with this I promote the charity by spreading awareness by doing talks, presentations and awareness events. Finally, I find new venues and teams of volunteers to open more clubs as we continue to expand.”