Question 1

I'm not sure I belong here. Is this for me?

Accepted Answer

If you're a man over 18 who's struggling with stress, isolation, anger, addiction, fatherhood, grief, anxiety or the after-effects of something painful, yes, this is for you. You don't need a diagnosis, a label, or a 'reason that's bad enough'. Most men who walk in say the same thing: 'I wasn't sure I belonged.' You do.

Question 2

What's the difference between a circle, a walk and the Recovery Hub?

Accepted Answer

A Men's Circle is a small, facilitated group that meets in person, usually 6 to 10 men sitting together for around 90 minutes. A Walk & Talk is exactly that: a guided walk in a small group, side-by-side rather than face-to-face, which many men find easier. The Recovery Hub is our online space, resources and a community you can join from anywhere.

Question 3

Do I have to talk?

Accepted Answer

No. Every MENd space uses the 'pass' rule, you can listen, breathe and just be in the room. Most men speak when they're ready. Some take weeks. That's normal and welcome.

Question 4

How do I book my first session?

Accepted Answer

Head to Coming Up Next on the homepage or the What's On calendar to see scheduled sessions, then click Book. If nothing fits, register your interest and we'll let you know when something opens near you.

Question 5

Is this therapy?

Accepted Answer

No. MENd is peer support, community and trauma-aware practice, not therapy, counselling or clinical treatment. Many of the men who join us also work with a therapist, GP or recovery service, and we work alongside those professionals, not instead of them.

Question 6

Is it a crisis service?

Accepted Answer

MENd Together is not a crisis service. If you or someone you care about is in immediate danger, call 999. For urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 (option 2) or Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7).

Question 7

Is it religious?

Accepted Answer

No. MENd is non-religious and non-political. Men of every faith and none are welcome. We don't promote any belief system, we hold space for whatever you bring.

Question 8

Who runs the sessions?

Accepted Answer

Our circles, walks and online groups are led by trained MENd facilitators, most with lived experience of the things they help others through. Every facilitator is DBS-checked, safeguarding-trained and clinically supervised.

Question 9

What's free?

Accepted Answer

Our self-assessment tools, articles and downloadable toolkits are free, and our groups are free or donation-based. The Recovery Hub isn't open yet. You don't need a membership to get help today.

Question 10

How much is membership?

Accepted Answer

The Recovery Hub is still in development and is not open for sign-up, so there is nothing to pay for yet. Our groups are free or donation-based. Join the waiting list on the Recovery Hub page and we will tell you the moment it opens.

Question 11

What if I can't afford it?

Accepted Answer

Nobody is turned away for money. We run a quiet bursary fund and a 'pay-what-you-can' option on most paid sessions. Email info@mendtogether.org and we'll sort it, no forms, no awkwardness.

Question 12

Can I cancel anytime?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Memberships are monthly and you can cancel from your account in two clicks. No phone calls, no retention scripts.

Question 13

Is what I say confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with one clearly explained exception. Everything shared in a MENd space stays in that space. The exception is safeguarding: if what you share shows a serious risk to you, to another adult at risk, or to a child, we have to share it with the appropriate statutory service. Wherever it is safe, we tell you what is shared, with whom and why. We explain this at the start of every session, not in the small print.

Question 14

Do you share my details with anyone?

Accepted Answer

No. We don't sell or share personal data. We use your contact details only to confirm bookings, send the resources you've asked for, and (if you opt in) gentle reminders about sessions. See our Privacy Policy for the full detail.

Question 15

Is the online space moderated?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Recovery Hub is moderated by trained facilitators. There are clear ground-rules, no advice-giving, no fixing, no abusive behaviour, and we act quickly when they're broken.

Question 16

I've been hurt by services before. How is this different?

Accepted Answer

We hear this often. MENd is built and led by men with lived experience of trauma, addiction and recovery, including being let down by services. We move slowly, explain everything, and never push. You decide the pace.

Question 17

I'm a dad. Is there something specifically for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We run a Fathers Group and a growing library of articles for fathers. Start at Support for Fathers.

Question 18

My partner / brother / son is struggling. Can you help me help him?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Download the free Safe Conversations Card from our resources, and if you'd like to talk to a human first, email info@mendtogether.org. We won't contact him without his consent, but we can help you open the door.

Question 19

Can women or non-binary people attend?

Accepted Answer

Most of our spaces are for men, that's the point. We run occasional open events (community reports, fundraisers, partner briefings) which are open to everyone, and we're always happy to point partners and family members to allied services.

Question 20

How do I refer a man into MENd?

Accepted Answer

Visit Professional Referrals for the secure referral form. We aim to make first contact within 3 working days.

Question 21

Can my organisation partner with MENd?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Employers can see Corporate Partnerships for workplace wellbeing support for their own staff. NHS trusts, local authorities, charities and other organisations can see Partnerships on our Professionals pages.

Question 22

Can I start a MENd chapter in my area?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We're actively recruiting chapter leads in the UK. Start at Start a Chapter.

Honest answers, before you decide

Getting started

What MENd is (and isn't)

Cost & membership

Safety & privacy

Fathers, partners & families

Partners & referrers

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