Going full circle: Why men’s circles matter more than ever

In a world where social isolation is quietly becoming a public health concern, particularly among men, the rise of men’s circles offers a timely antidote.

These structured gatherings are offering men a safe space to connect, share and heal – and their impact couldn’t have come at a better time.

One study highlights a concerning trend: 27% of UK men report having no close friends and 22% say they don’t meet friends at all.

And the older men get, the more these connections seem to dwindle.

“Ten years ago I’d be lying if I said this was how I’d spend my Thursday evenings”

Adam Saville, Chief Editor, Vitality

Men aged 55 and overspend half as much time with friends as those aged 16 to 25.

Psychologists have dubbed this phenomenon a ‘friendship recession’ and it’s having real consequences.

A 2024 UK government study found that an estimated 3.1 million Brits said they often felt or always felt lonely.

Social connection, it turns out, isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s a cornerstone of wellbeing with links being drawn between strong social ties and a healthier body mass index (BMI), lower risk of depression and even reduced heart disease.

The midlife disconnect

For many men, the transition into fatherhood and mid-life brings a shift in priorities.

These changes, while natural, often come at the expense of spending time with those outside of our immediate family – and with it, a loss of other human connections.

This is particularly true for those in the so-called ‘sandwich generation’: individuals caring for both young children and older parents.

The mental and physical toll of this dual responsibility can erode time and space for self-care.

Vitality’s Chief Editor, Adam Saville, (pictured below) admits to being one of those in this struggling generation.

“Juggling a busy work-life with weekend family adventures, daily dog walks and a father going through a late-stage cancer diagnosis have inevitably not left much room for the things that dominated my 20s and early 30s,” he explains.

Add financial pressures and the cultural tendency among men to bottle up emotions and the need for supportive peer networks becomes even more urgent.

“Money worries don’t just disappear when you hit 40,” says Saville.

A new kind of manhood

Men’s circles are bridging this gap.

One that Saville has joined is the East Kent Men’s Circle, a monthly gathering held in a church hall in the medieval town of Sandwich.

Led by facilitator Dan ‘DC’ Clayton, the group offers a structured space for men to explore their physical, intellectual, emotional and social experiences – known as P.I.E.S – through breathwork, sharing and themed workshops.

“Ten years ago, I’d be lying if I said this was how I thought I’d spend my Thursday evenings,” admits Saville.

“When one man opens his mouth – shares his truth – it’s infectious”

Adam Saville, Chief Editor, Vitality

Topics range from friendship and self-care to alcohol and peer pressure, all approached with a level of emotional intelligence, Saville says is rarely found in traditional male social settings.

What also struck him was the diversity within these circles.

“Men of all ages, from early 20s to those in their 50s and 60s, all from different backgrounds and a wide range of life experiences.”

Redefining masculinity

While the growth of men’s circles is still hard to quantify, the Global Wellness Institute has noted a trend towards ‘positive masculinity’; a movement where men are forming support networks to redefine what it means to be male in healthier, more inclusive ways.

This shift is not just anecdotal. Saville has experienced it first-hand.

The East Kent Men’s Circle is steadily growing month-on-month, driven by, Saville says, word of mouth and the transformative power of shared experience.

“When one man opens his mouth – shares his truth – it’s infectious: the floodgates open and the visceral energy in the room is almost tangible,” he says.

The healing power of connection

The benefits of men’s circles go beyond emotional catharsis.

They offer a space for reflection, growth and genuine connection – all of which contribute to better mental health, which in turn leads to better physical health.

In a society where men are often expected to ‘man up’ and keep going, these circles provide a counter-narrative: one that values empathy, openness and community.

Vitality data from health insurance members shows that those who are active at least twice a week are 17% less likely to make a claim for a severe mental health condition, compared with those who are inactive.

Saville adds: “What often gets lost [for men] is the sustenance – the necessity even – of meaningful human relationships (family aside), of which mental and physical benefits are widely documented.”

Join Vitality Ambassadors Joe Root and Jos Buttler in conversation with Sky Sport broadcaster, Simon Thomas, and lifestyle GP, Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi, as they discuss how to build a supportive culture for men.

A perfect circle

Men’s circles are not a panacea, but they are a powerful tool in the wider conversation about men’s wellbeing.

It’s a stark reminder that connecting with others is not just a luxury, but a necessity; particularly in a time when men feel increasingly isolated.

These outlets, though, offer a way for men to come full circle and rediscover the strength in vulnerability and feel whole.

If you want to know more about key health checks and test for men, read our guide: Men’s health checks and test: A complete guide

Related: 5 ways to support men with their mental health in 2025