''January is tough for everyone'' says Northampton men's support group

The Man Cave is a community wellbeing group based in Northampton that provides free, weekly drop-in sessions for local men aged 18 and above, who are based in and around the area.

The group began in Milton Keynes nearly four years ago and has since expanded to several locations across the region. Its purpose is to provide men with a dedicated space to talk openly about their mental health challenges and seek support.

Meetings in Northampton take place every Tuesday from 7pm to 9pm, and the group says there’s no need for referrals or sign-ups.

Northampton's leader for The Man Cave, Jake Doyle, described the group as 'a safe, non-judgmental place for men to connect and receive support'' he added that the new year can often see and increase in new members entering through the doors. He said:

''It's that kind of month where you don't know where you're coming or going...with the costs of living nowadays and financial burdens,

''Everyone wants New Year's resolutions. And a lot of the time, if you're holding yourself at that high expectation and you're not reaching it - you're going to feel like you're struggling and you're failing yourself a little bit.''

January Blues

According to #TalkSuicide UK, 'The January Blues' refers to feelings of sadness, lack of energy, and low mood that many people experience during the first month of the year.

Common causes:

• Post-holiday underwhelm: The joy of the holidays is over.

• Darker and colder days: Limited sunlight can impact mood and energy levels.

• Financial strain: Festive splurges may lead to financial worries after the holidays.

• New years resolutions: Unrealistic expectations to start 'fresh' can cause stress and increase pressure to be motivated.

Ending the stigma

It’s often suggested that men find it harder to open up about their concerns compared to women, and recent research indicates there is some truth to that perception. A survey by Bupa in 2025 found that only around 24% of men who have experienced mental health challenges would confide in friends. And fewer than half said they would seek professional medical advice stating stigma around mental health was a key reason.

Doyle echoed these concerns and wants community spaces – such as The Man Cave – to help change men's perceptions towards speaking up about their mental health. Before becoming part of the leadership team, Doyle battled with his own mental health issues and said although he was apprehensive at first, finding The Man Cave was a lifeline.

''I attended The Man Cave in Northampton 2 years ago as a member myself for the first time. At the time I didn't know whether it was for me or not – I don't reach out, I don't talk.'' He reflected.

''It's very cliché to say, but a problem shared is a problem halved.'' Doyle added.

**Almost 65% of people say that there’s still stigma attached to men’s mental health issues** – Bupa Wellbeing Index 2025

During the meetings at The Man Cave the attendees and leadership team gather together to discuss and share anything that may be weighing on their minds. However Doyle stresses there is no expectation to talk, for some members simply listening to others can help.

Doyle explained: ''If you just want to be present in that space and just kind of soak it in and and see what it's about, then again, there's no pressure.''

''We all have our own stories, so there's no judgement, there's no hostility''

Doyle’s advice to men who are unsure about joining support groups or speaking about their mental health is to take that step and talk. He said:

“You feel a sense of relief once you’ve spoken about it and got it off your chest. Just reach out to anyone you feel you can trust because the worst thing you can do is hold it all in.”

''Men don't reach out enough or if they do, they don't feel like they're heard, but at places like The Man Cave, you're heard.''

If you need urgent mental health support call Samaritans.){:target=_blank} on 116 123 or contact your:

•GP and ask for an emergency appointment

•Local urgent mental health helpline (numbers for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland can be found here)

•Local NHS 111 service

For further information about The Man Cave visit their website

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