New support service branch launches to transform men's lives in Haywards Heath

Since starting in 2021, the organisation has seen over a thousand men come through their doors.

The groups meet across Mid Sussex in Crawley, East Grinstead, Horsham and a their latest addition, Haywards Heath, composed of around 15 members in each town.

The volunteers offer a range of weekly meetings and activities including support circles, professional guidance, and nature-based social activities.

Sean Orr founded the charity when he noticed a rising number of men in Crawley were struggling but had a lack of support and no where to turn to.

The group, now based across Sussex, provides a safe space for men to come along and talk about what is going on in their lives. They even have organised events and day trips for anyone to attend.

The founder, Sean, noticed that a lot of men can slide and often can make a wrong decision they later regret. His group now offers a professional service that those who struggle in different areas of life can go to for advice.

These stem from nature weekends to help deal with grief and anger, offering holistic and physical support to self defence classes and health days.

Despite being well-established already in the community and even being invited to the house of parliament, Menshare Listening Group partner with other organisations across the district, offering their support and advice. These include the Sussex LGBTQ+ community, aimed at those who find it hard to get out in their area and also neurodiversity support groups.

The group has visited four schools across the district to speak to 14-16 year-olds about accountability and ownership, teaching the younger generation that it is okay to speak.

Sean commented: "everybody who comes to us is a part of a circle"

"We even extend the invite to ladies so they can see what we do.”

Sean explained that every woman who’s attended has gained an understanding about masculinity and have said that they have found a new found respect and openness to what their partners are going through.

The founder shared this message : “a message to the men out there or anybody, if you are going through challenges and your not talking to anybody come to a support circle whether your a man or your family, as they get affected as well, its important for them to get the support and because strangers who don’t know you they give the best advice.

"If you don’t talk, then no body will hear you"

The groups meet across the week:

Haywards Heath

Tuesday 7 pm – 9 pm

Presentation Hall Marylands, New England Haywards Heath, RH16 3LE

Crawley

Mondays 7 pm – 9 pm Wednesdays 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm & 7 pm – 9 pm

Crawley Baptist Church Crabtree Road Crawley West Sussex RH11 7HJ

Horsham

Thursdays 7 pm – 9 pm

Horsham United Reformed Church Springfield Rd, Horsham RH12 2RG

East Grinstead

Tuesdays 7 pm – 9 pm

St. Swithun’s Parish Office St. Swithun’s Church, St. Swithun’s Close East Grinstead, RH19 3BB

For more information visit: https://mensharelisteninggroup.co.uk/about-us