Brad Gartland - Rochdale's Platinum Champion

Style's Mental Health Editor, Brad Gartland, who founded his own Rochdale branch of the Andy’s Man Club mental health group, has been selected as a Platinum Champions volunteer as part of an official Jubilee project.

In 2016, Brad lost his dad to suicide and in 2020 set up the first Andy's Man Club in Rochdale, devoting his time to the male mental health talking group. He also founded the Stephen Gartland Foundation in memory of his dad.

Brad impressed the judges with his resilience in the face of such personal tragedy and he was selected as a Platinum Champion from more than 300 people who were nominated in the North West area for their dedication to volunteering. Nationally, he joins a line-up of 490 volunteers.

The Platinum Champions Awards were initiated by national charity, Royal Voluntary Service and its President, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, in honour of Her Majesty The Queen.

Style: How did you find out you’d been named in the Platinum Champion Awards?

Brad: I received an email from the Royal Voluntary service mid-May to say I’ve been chosen as a Platinum Champion and I had to keep the news quiet until the news was publicly released on 30th May! I’m normally quite bad at keeping secrets too!

What does the award mean to you?

I don’t do what I do to receive awards - but to receive this award shows that the work I’m doing is having a positive impact on people and that’s humbling to know. I hope this award shows people that no matter how difficult life can get, no matter what events happen in your life, it’s not the end; keep going and your story will inspire others.

You volunteer tirelessly for Andy’s Man Club and the Stephen Gartland Foundation alongside promoting mental health awareness in the press and on social media - what keeps you motivated?

My why is always my dad and will always be my dad. I do this for him and everyone else that feels low, hopeless, and feels like they can’t go on. As soon as I see someone benefiting from one of the Andy’s Man Club groups, donations from the foundation, or benefits from reading one of my articles, it motivates me to do more. I just want to make positive change and leave the world better than I found it.

What would you love to do next?

I want to keep pushing the importance of mental health both locally, nationally, and across the globe. I love writing. Maybe I’ll write a book, but that is a long way off.

The second Andy’s Man Club recently opened in Rochdale due to such popular demand. What’s the best thing about Andy’s Man Club and why do you think it’s succeeding in helping so many men?

I love the fact that men of all ages, backgrounds, life experiences, can come together in one room and talk. No one is pressured to speak, everything said is confidential, and there is 100% no judgement.

Some men may turn up with the intention of not speaking, which is completely normal, but by the end of the session these men would have had the chance to listen and connect to others in a similar situation, helping them realise that they’re not alone. I think the biscuits and a brew helps a lot too!!

The Andy’s Man Club team invite anyone over 18 to join one of our Andy’s Man Club sessions along with blokes in similar situations, every Monday at 7pm (except bank holidays).

The two locations in Rochdale are:

• Mayfield Sports Centre, OL11 3BY.

• Spotland Stadium, off Willbutts Lane, OL11 3DS (‘our spot community hub’ near the 5-a-side pitch.

You’ve previously said you aim to banish the taboo surrounding male mental health problems… do you think mental health awareness, particularly for men, is improving?

I think mental health awareness for men is improving. I see more awareness in the media and I have countless conversations with men that five years ago probably wouldn’t even dream about admitting that they’re struggling.

Many men probably haven’t yet talked about their problems, but I hope that the environment we are creating will eventually help these men feel comfortable to come forward and speak.

People are now realising that it’s completely normal to struggle – and knowing that it’s normal struggle is very important to break the stigma.

If someone reading this is experiencing mental health issues or knows someone who is, what advice would you give them?

Things get better, I can promise you. If there is something on your mind, don’t bottle it up. Please talk about it! Tell a friend, colleague, family member, reach out to a charity. People care about you and want to help. I have written an article on why self-worth is so important, so please refer to this article for more advice.

Ruth Parkinson

Photography: Jackie Meredith