Two bin lorries in Westmorland and Furness have been given a makeover with a purpose.
The waste collection vehicles in Barrow and Kendal have been given a new livery promoting Andy’s Man Club – an organisation which supports men’s mental health.
The livery on the council’s vehicles features the club’s Okay to Talk campaign, which encourages men to reach out and seek support.
Andy’s Man Club is a men’s suicide prevention charity that offers free, peer‑to‑peer support groups across the UK and online.
Its mission is to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health by providing a welcoming, judgment‑free environment where men aged 18 and over can talk openly about whatever they are going through.
As part of the launch of the new vehicle livery, volunteers from Andy’s Man Club have been visiting Westmorland & Furness Council’s waste teams to discuss the campaign and the livery.
It follows a series of information sessions the charity delivered for council staff in January and February, focusing on the importance of talking openly, breaking down stigma around mental health, and encouraging people to seek support when they need it.
While Andy’s Man Club’s core mission is supporting men, the sessions were open to all staff.
Councillor Giles Archibald, Westmorland and Furness Council cabinet member for climate, biodiversity and environmental services, said: “It’s a proud moment for us as a council to be able to support such an important and meaningful campaign.
“The statistics around male suicide are shocking, and they highlight just how vital it is that we continue breaking down the barriers that prevent men from talking openly about their mental health.
“By partnering with Andy’s Man Club, we want to help normalise these conversations – both within our organisation and across our communities. S
“omething as simple as seeing a message on the side of a wagon can be the reminder someone needs that they’re not alone and that support is available. We hope these signs encourage more men to reach out, talk, and seek help when they need it.”
The council said it hoped to explore further opportunities to support Andy’s Man Club in the Eden area in future.
Lucas Whitehead, head of partnerships at Andy’s Man Club, said: “We are delighted that refuse collection vehicles in Barrow and Kendal will be wrapped in our branding.
“As a charity, we know that unfortunately suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 54 and that a large proportion of men are unlikely to come forward to seek help when they are suffering.
“Placing our branding in front of the men of Barrow, Kendal and the surrounding areas on a daily basis will increase the chances of men coming forward and using our free Monday night talking groups in those locations.”
If you are in urgent need of help, contact the emergency services. If you need someone to talk to before attending an Andy’s Man Club session, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258 for dedicated text support. An NHS mental health support service is also available by calling 111 and selecting the mental health option.
