A MEN’s group has started in town for male residents to explore aspects of masculinity and male behaviour and to share experiences of their lives as men in a changing world.
The group has started at The Good Heart, and will run on the first Sunday of every month from 7pm to 9pm, facilitated by local resident, James Bartholomew. The Good Heart restaurant on Palmer Street runs events and promotes the power of kindness in Frome.
James explained, “When I moved to Frome about 10 or 11 years ago, I was interested in finding a men’s group. A neighbour said there were groups, but they were full. I started a group out of my house about eight years ago. It seemed like a good idea to throw the net open to the town. Frome is such an inclusive town it seemed like a good thing to offer.”
James has over 40 years’ experience in men’s work, attending and running numerous men’s groups, circles, gatherings and workshops in Frome and London.
“The group seeks to create a culture of mutual support and is not designed as a therapy group,” says James. “Three men came to the first session and it went very well. I am running it with a friend of mine who has a very good background for this kind of thing. It’s a group that’s there for men to talk about their feelings, their fears, to have conversation and to be heard. It’s confidential, so men feel that they can share openly.”
The group is a safe space for men, explained James, to chat and explore male values. “At a time when the world is at war and men are doing the fighting and killing it’s interesting to take a look at who we are and what our values are.”
“I think men have a harder time in opening up generally. We need a bit of encouragement and this is a bit of a push. My wife is on WhatsApp with five different groups of women and they scroll and connect with each other organically and I think men have a harder time with this.”
James said the group is open to all ages of men and the only requirement is to be willing to join. “There are different ways for men to be challenged and these groups are quite important,” says James.
Booking is essential to join the group as only eight spaces are available. Email James: james@jamesrossbartholomew.com to book.
