Beginning together
Each session begins with a short check-in, giving everyone an opportunity to settle in and share how they're doing. There is no expectation to share anything personal before you feel ready.
A small, fortnightly online group for men across the UK. A regular place to talk openly, listen to others and build meaningful connection over time.
Work, relationships, fatherhood, purpose, change and the things taking up space in your mind can be difficult to explore in everyday life. Even when we do talk about them, there isn't always the time or opportunity to explore them in any depth.
MEN TALK TOO Groups bring men together regularly to share experiences, explore what's happening in their lives and hear different perspectives. There's time to stay with something, consider it more fully and listen to what others have experienced, without being rushed towards an answer.
As members get to know one another, the group can become somewhere to speak more openly, understand different experiences and develop meaningful connections with other men. The relationships between members are as much a part of the group as the things they choose to share.
MEN TALK TOO groups are small, closed groups with a maximum of six participants. Members are asked to commit to an initial six sessions, although the group itself is ongoing. There is no fixed end point, and members are welcome to continue attending for as long as they find it helpful.
This is an important part of how the group works. Trust takes time to develop, and the relationships between members can become as valuable as the conversations themselves. Keeping the group small and consistent gives everyone the opportunity to get to know one another, develop a sense of safety and explore things in greater depth over time.
The initial six-session commitment is there to give everyone the chance to settle into the group and get to know one another. Each person becomes part of the group, and their presence matters. After those first six sessions, members can decide whether they would like to continue. The intention is to create something that people can return to, rather than something that ends just as those connections begin to develop.
Each session begins with a short check-in, giving everyone an opportunity to settle in and share how they're doing. There is no expectation to share anything personal before you feel ready.
There is no fixed topic or agenda. Members can bring whatever is happening in their lives, share experiences, listen to one another and explore things together.
Each meeting ends with time to reflect on what has been shared and anything that has come up during the session. As the group continues, members have the opportunity to build on previous meetings, develop relationships and explore things in greater depth over time.
Before joining, everyone will be asked to agree to a few shared expectations. These help protect the privacy of members and support the trust that develops between them.
What other members share should remain within the group. Everyone is expected to join from a private space, use headphones where possible and respect the privacy of others. The limits of confidentiality will be discussed before the group begins.
Members will bring different experiences, perspectives and opinions. Everyone is asked to listen without judgement, allow space for others and respect differences, even when they do not agree.
Nobody is expected to share more than they wish to. Listening is also part of participating. What matters is being present, respecting the process and recognising that everyone contributes to the experience of the group.
This is a counsellor facilitated support group, not group therapy. Its purpose is to create connection, mutual understanding and honest conversation in a clear, respectful setting.
It is not group therapy.
You will not be analysed, diagnosed or treated by the group.
It is not a workshop.
There are no lectures, worksheets or lessons to complete.
It is not forced vulnerability.
You can take your time, listen and decide for yourself what you want to share.
It is not a place for fixing one another.
Advice is not the default. Listening and understanding come first.
The group is intentionally small and designed for regular attendance. Although payment is taken per session, members are encouraged to return so that familiarity and trust can develop over time.
The group is limited to six places. Complete the short registration form and John will be in touch before your first session.
Registration does not automatically confirm a place. A brief conversation beforehand helps make sure the group is a suitable setting for everyone involved.
John is a qualified humanistic counsellor and the founder of MEN TALK TOO. He created the service to give men somewhere to speak before life reaches crisis point, with an approach centred on relationship, honesty and making room for experiences that are often carried alone.
Within the group, John is not acting as each member's individual therapist. His role is to create a clear structure, protect the boundaries of the group and help conversations remain respectful and useful to everyone taking part.
John is a registered member of the BACP and works with adults both online and in person in Brighton and Hove.
No. You are welcome to take your time and listen. The group is not designed to force disclosure. Most people find themselves contributing naturally once they become more comfortable.
No. It is a facilitated conversation and peer support group. John is a qualified counsellor, although he is not providing individual or group therapy within these sessions.
Members are asked to commit to an initial six sessions. This gives everyone time to get to know one another, build trust and develop relationships within the group. After those first six sessions, you're welcome to continue attending for as long as you find the group helpful. There is no fixed end date, although regular attendance is important for maintaining the consistency of the group.
After registering, John will arrange a brief call with you. This gives you a chance to ask questions and helps make sure that the group is likely to be an appropriate and safe setting for you.
Payment of £30 is made in advance for each session. Your booking is confirmed once payment has been received.
You will need a reliable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone and somewhere private where you cannot be overheard. Headphones are recommended.
That is understandable. A small online group can feel unfamiliar at first. The conversation before joining gives you a chance to meet John and understand exactly what will happen before deciding whether to continue.
The group is not a crisis service and cannot provide emergency or specialist mental health care. If you are at immediate risk or need urgent support, contact emergency services, NHS 111, your GP or Samaritans on 116 123.
Join a small group of men meeting online every fortnight for thoughtful conversation, shared perspective and genuine connection.
Complete the form below and I’ll be in touch to arrange a brief introductory call.
This is an opportunity to ask any questions and see whether the group feels right for you.
CONTACT INFO
Phone: 07410 040348
Email: contact.mentalktoo@gmail.com
Address: 18a Clermont Road, Brighton, BN1 6SG