A grassroots men’s mental health group is expanding across Northamptonshire, with four venues now running weekly sessions and two more set to open in Rothwell and Wellingborough.

The Brotherhood Men’s Group, which began as a small gathering to give local men a safe space to talk openly, has seen rising demand over the past year. Its organisers say the growth reflects a growing willingness among men to speak honestly about mental health, loneliness and the pressures of modern life.

Meetings are designed to be informal but structured, offering men the chance to share whatever is on their minds in a confidential, non-judgemental setting. Unlike therapy, the groups are peer-led and free to attend, relying on volunteers to help create a safe and supportive environment.

Founder Michael Scott said the expansion was both necessary and encouraging. “Men are often told to ‘man up’ or keep their struggles to themselves. What we’re proving is that, given the chance, men want to talk — and they benefit from it,” he said. “Having more venues simply means more men can access that support closer to home.”

placeholder image — Current group locations

The Brotherhood currently runs sessions in Oundle, Burton Latimer, Thrapston and Kettering, with the two new groups expected to launch later this year. Organisers are also in discussions about further expansion if the demand continues.

Nationally, men’s mental health remains a pressing issue. Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women in the UK, and many report having few or no close friends to confide in. Local groups like Brotherhood aim to counter that isolation by building genuine connections week by week.

Further details, including times and locations of meetings, are available at www.brotherhoodmensgroups.com