Shoulder to Shoulder: Why the Setting Matters for Men’s Mental Health

I recently came across research from Greene King and Macmillan Cancer Support that resonated with me. It found that 52% of men feel more comfortable having difficult conversations over a pint rather than face-to-face.

In my work with men, I’ve seen how powerful it can be when these conversations occur. It’s often in these quieter, more relaxed moments that the real issues come to light. There’s no pressure, and there’s no pressure to “have the chat”; it just flows naturally.

The statistics are telling: only 34% of men report regularly discussing personal concerns with friends or family. That means many men are carrying heavy burdens alone, not because they don’t want to talk, but because the setting doesn’t feel right.

That’s why the spaces we create are essential. Whether it’s the layout of a room, the structure of a conversation, or the type of activity we're engaged in, all these factors contribute to making it feel safer to talk.

So, next time you’re wondering how to support the men in your life, think about the “how,” not just the “what.” Sometimes, the most potent conversations happen side by side — a pint in hand, a fire crackling, and the pressure off.

Let’s continue to create those spaces. They matter more than we realise.

If you're looking for coaching or training that genuinely meets men where they’re at, I’d love to chat. Drop me a message.