Hundreds of men’s groups spring up to combat loneliness

Hundreds of men’s groups have formed across Denmark in recent years, offering companionship that can help combat loneliness, DR reports.

Groups can be especially valuable when working life ends, a relationship breaks down or a man becomes a father for the first time. Men often find it harder than women to talk about difficult emotions, said Kenneth Reinicke, a gender and men’s studies researcher at RUC.

Ældre Sagen and Mænds Mødesteder have seen more groups emerge, including workshops, cooking classes and walking groups. The number of men’s groups at Ældre Sagen has tripled in five years. Forum for Men’s Health has registered more than 260 groups, and Peter Faarbæk, a project coordinator for Mænds Mødesteder, said many are already full and unable to meet demand.

Faarbæk hopes more groups will open. He said joining a group with other men can be a “fantastic” experience, with a strong sense of solidarity.

Reinicke said the groups can have an impact even when members meet around an activity rather than for an intimate conversation. Such conversations often develop as people do things together, he said. He added that men need more opportunities to talk with one another about difficult subjects, noting that established support services are often not enough. More men die by suicide, while more women see psychologists and use support services provided by the welfare state, he said.

Reinicke also said groups should avoid becoming “too feminine” if they are to attract men.