Male friendship groups

[Scenuc]

My partner has a small social circle and not really any male friends. He is going through a very difficult time right now. I am supporting as much as I can but it is impacting me. Anyone know of any male social groups where men can make friends? I know he can’t join the round table for older men as they say if you didn’t join the round table before 45 you can’t join.

Andy's Mans shed? (Or similar name - it's a charity)

Is there a Men's Shed group near you?

https://menssheds.org.uk

The same way anyone makes friends — regular activities he enjoys where he’s likely to meet likeminded people.

Does he specifically want male friends, though? I think my DH’s female friends considerably outnumber his male ones — he works in an overwhelmingly male-dominated industry, and gets his fill of male company at work.

I think the men's shed suggestions are a very good idea. The other men there would understand implicitly that your partner is there because he's struggling in some way, but I doubt there'd be any pressure to elucidate, until he was ready. I've not joined the men's sheds myself, but I've spent a bit of time at a very similar organisation and felt it was beneficial. And I believe that male friendship is very important for men. But there's me putting myself in another's shoes, and I could be totally wrong.

Also andys man club if he's struggling at the moment. They have groups all over and seem to be very popular, you may be able to find a local one on Facebook

There are also quite a few running groups around specifically designed to help men who need help with their mental well being.
There might be one of those near you.

www.runnersneed.com/expert-advice/wellness-and-mental-health/running-together-for-mental-health.html

Thanks for all your helpful replies. He has lots of female friends. The men at his workplace are not nice and hostile. All they talk about is football too. I can suggest these groups when he is ready and he can think about it. I know he would benefit from male perspectives.

I’d find it hard to join these “shed” groups, because it surely adds a layer of “a problem” on top, and doesn’t feel like natural socialising.

Would volunteering be of help? My son volunteers at the local repair cafe. That is only 1 Sat morning per month, so not excessive commitment timewise. When I've popped in - it all seems very collaborative with a common aim.

Try searching for a local men walking and talking group. There are a few near me.

Does he have any hobbies? Be good for him to start some new hobbies and see if he can widen his social circle that way.

Rotary ? You can join at any age, in fact they actually look to having younger members. DH found that playing Pickle Ball widened his social group.