u/UnusualCollection314

4 weeks ago, I created the Met Line Mens Group for you if:
📍You live close to Northwood, Pinner, Ruislip, Harrow or Watford
🙋‍♂️You’re a man, and work in a professional job that sometimes feels stressful
🚶‍♂️Your friend circle has been shrinking as you get older, and you’re looking for local like-minded friends
🥹 You’re notice an underlying anxiety about your work, health or relationships

I know men (like everyone else) experience loneliness, workplace pressure and overthinking loops too - but are far less likely to share. There are lots of stats on this, but I'll save them for another day.

I thought I'd be waiting there alone, with maybe one other guy coming 20 mins later to say
hello. Last Tuesday, 15 men showed up for our fourth weekly walk.

They shared their wins from the week (even modest ones like exercising that week after months of trying) and their challenges (some that were getting too heavy to carry).
💬 "We all carry a hell lot of load that we take for granted and not talk about. This group is a safe group to offload and be heard"
💬 "We get so used to carrying the weight on our heads that we forget to care for our own mental health... breaking that cycle starts with conversations like the ones we're having here"
💬 "Just want to share, it was a great experience on our first meet up today. Glad to know some new people."

The whole point of this is to get to make local friends, work on your goals and support each
other. The guys that joined have also found gym buddies, padel/cricket/golf players, or just people to go on casual walks with. In fact, some of us are going for the Rickmansworth Aquadrome park-run tomorrow too!

 This belonging is what I think so many of us need - it was my biggest goal this year to create spaces where people truly belong. We need to belong. And when we belong, we thrive.

I know that because 4 weeks after my first post, the guys that have been coming for our weekly
sessions are already getting closer to their goals, and so am I 😊

If you want to join, please register here and you'll be able to join the WhatsApp group: https://link.ollinova.com/widget/survey/DvmPBycpS1dhnOUGg0Xt   

PS. its totally free to join!

I think we have a loneliness crisis – even if most men don’t realise it yet. We are increasingly disconnected to our emotions, our bodies and each other – which sits beneath our mental and physical health, but also our performance.

I’m looking to put together a group for men who are keen to make local friends, work on themselves and support each other.

The plan is to meet one evening a week for about 90 mins (either in a venue or outdoors for a walk/chat). We'd do some activity, then go round and check in, celebrate wins from the week and support each other through the harder moments. I’ll bring some simple breathwork practices so that we are present and open, rather than just making small talk. 

Over time, I’d love for you to be able to use this group to find local gym buddies, organise events (yoga, hikes, coffees), or simply have someone to grab a pint with.

This group is open to anyone male-identifying over 25, without any discrimination. I expect that most of the guys who'll relate to this are building a career, want good conversation and genuine connection, and are willing to actually show up and put a bit of effort in.

I know it can feel strange showing up to something like this alone, but most people will be in the same boat.

If you’re keen, please comment MET so I can send you the link to register. Once I have enough interest, I’ll drop you a message and email to get things going (ideally starting week of 13 Sept). You don’t have to commit to attending every week, but it just gives me a sense of what to plan for. 

PS. A little about me: I grew up in Kenya and lived around this area since 2011. I worked in management consulting in the city, before taking a year out to live in Mexico to build a nervous system coaching business. I got back earlier this month, and I’m looking to build a local community here.