A place for men to talk, listen, pause, and reflect.
Maidstone Men's Circle is a peer support group for men. It is open to men who have experienced mental health issues, or who are facing, or have faced, challenges.
Some men come to share. Some come to listen, pause, and reflect. There is no pressure to speak.
All it takes is two men to start a conversation.
Seven principles help create the environment in which the circle takes place.
Every man has the right to feel safe.
We respect people's differences, both inside and outside the circle.
What is shared in circle stays in circle. Previous shares are not taken into account from week to week.
Every man has the right to attend without judgement.
There are no expectations outside the circle. The commitment is to be on time and stay for the full duration.
Some attend simply to listen, pause, and reflect.
We believe every man has his own answers deep down.
The facilitator brings presence, curiosity, and structure rather than answers.
The circle is not about deciding what another man needs, fixing problems, interpreting experiences, teaching, or directing.
It is about making space for each man's lived experience.