A MENTAL health charity offering peer support networks to men has been launched in North Berwick.

Andy’s Man Club is working in partnership with North Berwick Coastal Community Connections, with funding from North Berwick Trust to run the project.

The organisation is a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the country.

Carol Stobie, connections co-ordinator at North Berwick Coastal Community Connections, said: “Community Connections works with people feeling isolated for any reason, and we’ve recently had more referrals for men.

“There have been several suicides in this area. We knew a peer support approach might help, so we approached Andy’s Man Club to consider setting up in North Berwick.

“We know what a life-saving difference they have made in other areas across the UK.

“We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with Andy’s Man Club, as we already are with Keep the Heid Mental Health Cafe at the Hope Rooms and Sporting Memories at the rugby club, all peer support groups we persuaded to set up here and make a difference to mental wellbeing locally.

“They are all a safe space to talk about mental health and we are delighted to bring them to North Berwick, adding valuable resources to the community.”

Ken, a participant in the meetings, added: “I’m very excited about Andy’s Man Club coming.

“Although, as many of us who live here know, North Berwick is seen as a very affluent and well-to-do town, it has many of the same issues as other less well-off areas, particularly in mental health.

“It gives men the chance to be listened to without interruption in a non-judgmental setting, and to get real help and encouragement from others who have been there before – not only to talk, but start focusing on positives again and keep moving forward.”

The free sessions are led by trained volunteer facilitators with lived experience of mental health problems.

Meetings take place on Mondays at 7pm at North Berwick Rugby Club.