In a time where we are more connected than any other time in history you would expect we would feel less lonely, right? In spite of this we feel more alone than ever before, with more negative effects than we are aware of.
Men in particular are more prone to isolate and not to admit they feel lonely than women. I wrote about the effects of loneliness in men’s mental health before and you can read about it here.
Admitting and talking about an issue is only half the work, the other half is doing something about it. In this article I will suggest some creative ways we can tackle men’s loneliness. Of course, this doesn’t mean the ladies can’t take these ideas and use them for their own benefit!
Community Gardens and Allotments
Doing things together can create an environment where men can chat and as they start to feel more relaxed and comfortable can start sharing about their struggles and challenges. As men work next to each other they can share their own knowledge around gardening which can create a sense of camaraderie and purpose as they have something to look after, even if it’s a plant or a vegetable.
As men connect around a shared interest, this can offer a pleasant distraction from the worries of life, and an opportunity for friendships to be developed.
Men's Sheds
In all honesty I didn’t know they exist until before I started writing this article but I’m happy they are. ‘Men’s Sheds’ is a unique and effective way to tackle men’s loneliness. They are community spaces where men can meet, share skills and ‘get their hands dirty’. No two Sheds look the same, as their members define its character. One can be a place for a coffee and a chat and another a space where men can learn carpentry and model building.
You can learn more about them here
Walk and Talk Groups
This is a personal favour as I run one myself. We meet on the first Sunday of every month at the Capstone Park in Gillingham, Kent. Feel free to contact me if you want to join us.
Walk and Talk groups promote positive physical and mental health. It is well known that exercise and walks in nature have a positive effect on our health. Men relax and as we walk side by side they can share something that troubles them or just enjoy the company. People with autism very often struggle with eye contact and looking at someone directly, walking can remove this issue and can help them to open up.
If you are not close to Gillingham, there are other organisations who run similar groups like Men Walk Talk Charity and The Men’s Mind Project
Men’s Cooking Groups
I don’t know how many are out there but we are hoping to launch one in September 2024 in partnership with the local Salvation Army.
Regardless of the reason a man lives on his own, we have to admit that microwaved meals and take-aways are something we do a lot. Although this can be handy for a lazy Sunday or after a long day, it is not the healthiest and more cost effective option. In a cooking group men can learn how to cook low cost delicious and nutritious food while socialising with other men.
Even if you don’t live alone you can always use the recipes to cook for your loved ones.