New Men’s Support Group Launches in Diss to Foster Mental Wellbeing
In a heartwarming development for the Diss community, a new weekly support group for men has opened its doors at the Council Office on Market Hill. Every Wednesday morning, men from all walks of life gather in a judgment-free zone where they can speak openly about their mental health challenges and life struggles. The initiative, called Pit Stop, is run by Norwich-based charity MensCraft and offers a beacon of hope for those who may be silently battling with issues they feel unable to discuss elsewhere. What makes this group particularly special is its focus on creating authentic connections among men who might otherwise keep their emotions bottled up due to societal expectations around masculinity.
“It’s a chance for men to connect with others and talk about whatever they’re going through in a safe and relaxed environment,” explains Karl Read, Pit Stop’s program manager. The philosophy behind these sessions is simple yet profound—encouraging men to remove their “metaphorical armor” and speak honestly about their feelings. This approach creates a powerful ripple effect within the group. As Read observes, “When you hear other men speaking so openly and having this sense of emotional intelligence, it really helps others to feel validated. It makes people realize: ‘It’s okay to feel how I am and I’m not the only one struggling.'” This validation can be transformative for participants who may have spent years believing they needed to handle their problems alone.
The Diss Pit Stop sessions go beyond just talk therapy. The group incorporates various wellbeing-focused activities designed to nurture both mental health and social connections. Similar MensCraft groups across East Anglia have explored everything from art classes and yoga to practical skills like wood whittling, and even community gardening through allotment projects. These diverse activities serve multiple purposes—they provide participants with new skills, create opportunities for natural conversation in a less intimidating setting, and give members a renewed sense of purpose and accomplishment. The welcoming atmosphere is further enhanced by free refreshments at each meeting, creating a casual, coffeehouse-like environment where deeper connections can naturally form.
What truly sets MensCraft apart is its holistic approach to supporting men in crisis. Beyond the weekly meetings, the charity offers specialized services addressing specific challenges men might face. Their contact service provides critical support for those experiencing suicidal thoughts or other mental health crises—a lifeline for men at their most vulnerable. For fathers struggling with parenthood or facing custody issues, the DadsOnside program offers specialized guidance and support to maintain meaningful relationships with their children. The organization also facilitates one-on-one counseling and creates pathways to more specialized services when needed. Throughout all these offerings runs a common thread: fostering a positive and inclusive understanding of masculinity that embraces emotional openness rather than stoic silence.
The impact of Pit Stop extends far beyond the scheduled two-hour sessions each week. “Another amazing side of our Pit Stop sessions is how quickly the guys going will become friends,” Read shares with evident pride. “They’ll start meeting up outside of the sessions as just mates—it creates this strong sense of brotherhood.” This organic community building represents perhaps the program’s greatest success—creating sustainable support networks that continue to function independently of the formal meetings. These friendships provide ongoing emotional support, recreational outlets, and a sense of belonging that many men discover they’ve been missing. For participants who may have been socially isolated before joining, these connections can be life-changing.
As the Diss chapter of Pit Stop establishes itself and looks toward the new year, the organizers hope to welcome more local men into their growing brotherhood. The program operates with remarkable simplicity: no referrals needed, no complicated intake process, and no cost to participants. Men can simply show up at the Council Office on Wednesdays between 10am and noon to experience what the group has to offer. Volunteer leader Andy creates a welcoming environment for newcomers, ensuring that first-time visitors feel immediately included. For those interested in learning more about MensCraft’s full range of services across Norfolk and Waveney, their website (www.menscraft.org.uk) provides comprehensive information. Read’s closing thought captures the essence of the program’s impact: “Every man I’ve spoken to has never regretted coming along.” In a world where men’s mental health is increasingly recognized as a critical public health concern, initiatives like Pit Stop represent a compassionate, community-based response that meets men exactly where they are and invites them to discover the healing power of shared experience.
