How would I go about setting up a mens support group?

Posted by Few-Calligrapher3910@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 16 comments

I'm seriously considering setting up something for chaps who may be in a similar situation to myself: lonely, struggling with mental health or addiction issues, or just needing someone to chat with regularly. I have no idea how I'd go about doing this if I'm honest, and I don't see anything in my local area that offers this kind of resource. At the moment my first thought is to speak to my local community centre to see what they might he able to provide. Question is, do I have to declare this to anyone? Can i just go ahead and do it? Has anybody here done this kind of thing before? Id love to pick your brains if so. Any advice is welcome as i genuinely believe it could do a lot of good in my area.

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16 Comments

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Chunswae22@reddit

Facebook! I've joined a few social groups there for women.

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mronion82@reddit

Village halls, churches etc are good venues and generally have all the facilities you need-

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scrotalsac69@reddit

Is there an Andys Man Club anywhere near you? https://andysmanclub.co.uk/groups/

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Few-Calligrapher3910@reddit (OP)

Not as far as I can see.

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missingmileuk@reddit

I keep being recommended this but there isn't one near me. There must be a way to set one up.

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UndiplomaticInk@reddit

You could always help to start a local branch

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RPG_Rob@reddit

To start one of those, you need to go to one every week for 3 months, then do their Facilitator's course. This is fine if you have one in range and actually want to run an Andy's Man Club.

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scrotalsac69@reddit

That was going to be my next suggestion, it gives the op the support to get started off well. Good luck op if you can get it going

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Mammoth-Squirrel2931@reddit

I facilitate a group where I live - not exclusively mens but it's a similar set up to Andy's Man Club. You do need to go on a facilitator course to do this. But they can be passed in relatively short space of time. I think your local council could be able to help - there are health and safety aspects to consider with this, including the building. But one of our groups is run at a local foodbank for example (at night), so it would be a case of getting in touch with charities that have facilities you could use and going from there. Good luck because they can provide vital spaces for people to come and talk.

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Few-Calligrapher3910@reddit (OP)

Thanks, I'll look into it.

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Mr_Bumcrest@reddit

You could see if Men's Shed or Andy's Man Club have representation in the area and if not, see if you could set one up like franchise

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Few-Calligrapher3910@reddit (OP)

I've found a reasonably local Mens Shed but it's closed until January. Such is life. I can wait.

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elgrn1@reddit

https://www.reddit.com/r/london/s/WrBAutWA4X Perhaps this group is local to you, or the organiser can give you tips on how to set up something similar close to you.

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RPG_Rob@reddit

Look up Wantage men's club. I think it's called Blokes Brews and Biscuits. I helped out with that just over a year ago. You'll get a good insight on the experience, and how the first year is.

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Voodoopulse@reddit

There's quite a few out there nowadays so maybe check, we have one called bottled up blokes near me

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