RADIO 2 DJ Zoe Ball has hailed the men's mental health group in Oldham battling to prevent suicide.

Zoe, who lost her boyfriend Billy Yates to suicide in 2017 and as a result is a campaigner for men's mental health, name checked the support group Andy's Man Club which has met regularly on Monday evenings at Chadderton Wellbeing Centre in Burnley Street for several years.

It was launched in the face of data which show suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK with one man taking his own life every two hours.

Andy's Man Clubs have since sprung up in towns across the UK.

Zoe told listeners: "Andy's Man Club's are all over the UK. They are a great place for men to share their feelings. Because they are a charity they are still allowed to have a one person meetings which really can help at the moment."

A post on the Andy's Man Club Oldham Facebook page said: "A nice mention this morning from Zoe Ball on Radio 2. Zoe a campaigner for men's mental health lost her boyfriend to suicide a few years ago."

Oldham mayor Ginny Alexander has also recently praised the group.

On World Suicide Prevention Day she lamented the fact that action to prevent suicides were taking place online because of Covid.

She said: “Here in Oldham, we are fortunate enough to have a wide range of support groups. One in particular is Andy’s Man Club who are constantly doing great work for the people of Oldham.

“Every year organisations and communities come together to raise awareness of how we create a world where fewer people die by suicide.

“Every single life lost to suicide is a tragedy. We can only create real change by reaching out to one another and supporting our communities in their hour of need. Always remember, it is okay not to be okay.

“Unfortunately, in the UK men are three times as likely to die by suicide than women. Sadly, it affects our youth from the ages of 15 to 25 which at the moment, is at a very high rate."

“World Suicide Prevention Day aims to start the conversations about suicide and to show recovery is possible.“

“If you need someone to talk to then please reach out to any of the following organisations and support groups: NHS Mental Health Service, Samaritans, Mind, Andys Man Club, The Calm helpline.

“There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Where there is despair, there is always hope.

"Never be afraid to reach out, it is okay to talk.”