Stagecoach and Andy’s Man Club join forces to support men’s mental health across Ayrshire

• Posters promoting Andy’s Man Club now displayed on selected Stagecoach buses in Kilmarnock
• Partnership aims to encourage men to seek support and tackle stigma around mental health
• Initiative highlights local support groups available in Kilmarnock, Ayr and Dreghorn

Stagecoach has launched a new partnership with Andy’s Man Club to help raise awareness of vital mental health support services for men across Ayrshire.

As part of the initiative, posters promoting Andy’s Man Club are now displayed on selected buses operating in and around Kilmarnock, helping to increase awareness of the charity and encouraging more men to access support when they need it.

Andy’s Man Club is a men’s suicide prevention charity offering free-to-attend, peer-to-peer support groups across the UK and online. The charity’s message is simple but powerful: “It’s okay to talk.”

The partnership was established by bus driver Jack Wilson, who is also Health and Wellbeing Champion at Stagecoach’s Kilmarnock Depot, and reflects a shared commitment to breaking down barriers around mental health and encouraging open conversations.

Alongside the public awareness campaign, representatives from Andy’s Man Club will also engage directly with Stagecoach colleagues, recognising the importance of supporting wellbeing within a predominantly male workforce.

There are currently three Andy’s Man Club groups operating across Ayrshire, providing support for men aged 18 and over in Kilmarnock, Ayr and Dreghorn.

Fiona Doherty, Managing Director of Stagecoach South Scotland, said:

“Many men face challenges in silence and can find it difficult to reach out for support. We want to help change that by raising awareness of the services available through Andy’s Man Club and encouraging conversations about mental health.

“Stagecoach buses are at the heart of communities across Ayrshire and we are proud to use that reach to support such an important cause. If this partnership encourages even one person to seek help or start a conversation, it will have made a real difference.”

Jack Wilson, Health and Wellbeing Champion at Stagecoach South Scotland’s Kilmarnock Depot, said:

“We wanted to use our position in the community to help raise awareness and show people that support is available. Andy’s Man Club provides a welcoming environment where men can talk openly without judgement, and I’m delighted that we’re able to support their work.

“This is the start of our partnership in Kilmarnock and we believe it will have a positive impact both for our colleagues and the wider community.”

Callum Bell from Andy’s Man Club said:

“We're really grateful for the support from Stagecoach and are looking forward to working together to help support their drivers, customers and the wider community in future.”

Andy’s Man Club operates free weekly support groups for men aged 18 and over at:

• Nwkleus, Kirkton Road, Kilmarnock, KA3 2DF
• The Wellington Centre, 2 Alloway Place, Ayr, KA7 2AA
• Townend Community Centre, 15 Townfoot, Dreghorn, KA11 4EQ

For more information about Andy’s Man Club and details of local support groups, visit www.andysmanclub.co.uk.