Directions For Men provides groups for men to come and talk about whatever it is that is affecting their mental health. We support each other through difficult times and we help each other by talking about what worked for us when we were going through difficult times.
Directions For Men provides groups for men to come and talk about whatever it is that is affecting their mental health. We support each other through difficult times and we help each other by talking about what worked for us when we were going through difficult times.
Playback Arcade is a large fun space - a new style of event. Lots of different retro and contemporary game stations. There are many arcade machines, Xbox 360's, Playstation 2's, retro Nintendo's, tabletop games & more!
Playback Arcade is a large fun space - a new style of event. Lots of different retro and contemporary game stations. There are many arcade machines, Xbox 360's, Playstation 2's, retro Nintendo's, tabletop games & more!
Hi, my name is Barry Ward. I am a 55-year-old engineer. After nearly three decades as a Scout Leader and nine years guiding young people through the Duke of Edinburgh Award, I stepped away from volunteering when I moved to Dorset in 2020 to start a new chapter in my life. Settling into rural life, I found a new sense of purpose with the National Coastwatch Institution, training as a watchkeeper and qualifying in April 2024. That same year, I experienced the devastating loss of a dear friend to suicide. At his funeral, one phrase echoed throughout the conversations: "I wish he had just talked to me." His passing was a painful reminder of the importance of open and honest conversations among men—of creating spaces where struggles can be shared and burdens can be lightened. As the anniversary of his death approached, I came across a Men Walking and Talking social media post, and it immediately resonated. It struck me that, despite its reach, there were no MWAT groups in Dorset. A conversation with Dan led to the decision to set one up. Now, this group will provide a welcoming space for men in the area to walk, talk, and support one another—because no one should ever feel alone in their struggles. Join us as we take those first steps together
Have you ever felt lonely or sad but didn’t know the reason why? Have you ever felt that you’re struggling with normal everyday responsibilities like just getting up and going to work? Have you ever felt guilty for feeling that way? Have you ever felt too anxious about opening up to others and about how they might react to you doing so, and therefore you keep it all bottled up inside? Me too! Hi, my name is Dan and I’m the walk leader for Dover MWAT Like many other walk leaders within MWAT, I’ve struggled with my own mental health at times and in 2025 I made the decision to step away from the type of work that I’d done for more than 25 years and started training to become a Humanistic Counsellor. I’m not due to quality until 2028 but I’ve become passionate about people’s mental health, particularly men’s. I am increasingly disappointed in the culture in which we live whereby men aren’t encouraged to talk honestly about their experiences, feelings, and struggles for fear of being judged by those closest to them and by society in general. That’s why I chose to start a walk in my local area of Dover – which also happens to be the first (but hopefully not the last) in the whole of the County of Kent. My aim is simply to provide a space for men to be able to share what’s on their mind without the fear of being judged. If you’d rather not chat or you’re looking for companionship, then that’s also completely fine. Either way, it’s an opportunity to get some fresh air and to get in some of those steps that we all keep getting told that we need – I know I certainly do! If any of that sounds like what you’re looking for, please do come along and join me and the group.
Hi. My name is Danny and I am the walk leader for the Droitwich group of MWAT. I first came across MWAT on social media while I was looking for some local support and have followed them for some time. Having struggled for many years I understand all too well how isolated and alone it can feel. In more recent years I’ve come to realise the importance of talking and learnt that a lot more men are effected than I realised. I decided to make the step to set up a Droitwich MWAT group to give other men like myself an opportunity to talk with like minded people and create a local support network so nobody feels lonely and isolated. Meeting for just one hour every week could make all the difference. Let’s normalise talking about these things and make sure everyone knows that it’s ok to not be ok!! Look forward to seeing you soon!
Every second Friday of each month, 10.30am-11.30am Group Facilitator: Alice Contact: pandaseastkent@gmail.com Alice What inspired you to set up your group? – I was inspired to set up the group due to my lived experience. Prior to me going through it, I had no experience of anyone in my life experiencing perinatal mental health issues (to my knowledge). I want to be there for others in similar positions and also give them hope that you can live a happy life as a parent, even if it feels impossible right now. What does the building look like ? It is a large blue single story building with a big ‘Riverside Church’ sign outside. Is there parking at the venue, and what about public transport? – There is a medium sized car park and often plenty of spaces at the time of our group. However, the parking spaces are a little narrow so you may want to find an end space if getting car seats out etc. Herne Bay train station is about a 10-minute walk from our venue, and there are local bus stops nearby also. Where is the entrance to the building? You walk up a sloped pathway that has hand rails into a porch where you will see a large open cafe ahead of you. What is the space like? The space is light and airy but also separate from the main cafe area so we have some privacy. We set out a play mat and some toys for babies and little toddlers to play on. Toilets and baby change facilities are available. What should I do when I arrive? The cafe staff will be able to direct you if you say you are here for the PANDAS group. If you enter the building, walk down towards the toilets but then turn left before you get there. There are some double doors, go through these and we will be located behind a screened off area to your right. The staff are always happy to help and direct!
Paused until further notice Held fortnightly on a Tuesday evening 19:30-21:30 Group Facilitator: Frances
In the heart of Halliwell, Bolton, a remarkable initiative has taken root: Ricky’s Club. This man-to-man support group, hosted at the Elite Community Hub, provides a safe space for men aged 18 and above to candidly discuss life’s challenges. Whether it’s divorce, addiction, grief, or depression, Ricky’s Club welcomes all men, regardless of their struggles.