Shoulder to Shoulder: A Growing Men’s Community in London Dedicated to Connection and Personal Growth — AMA Invitation
Since its humble beginnings in February 2025, Shoulder to Shoulder has blossomed into a thriving community of over 1,600 men across London, united by a shared commitment to fostering genuine connection, openness, and personal development.
The Origin Story
What started as a simple walk and coffee among eight men seeking deeper friendships and emotional understanding has evolved into a dynamic network that offers support, camaraderie, and meaningful conversations. Our journey emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and authentic dialogue, addressing personal challenges, relationships, and emotional well-being.
Gratitude to Our Community
Our growth would not have been possible without the incredible support of the Reddit community at r/London. Many members discovered us through this platform and have become integral parts of our community. To honor this connection, we are hosting an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session where members of our leadership team and community will be available to answer your questions.
Upcoming AMA Details
- Date and Time: Tonight at 6:30 PM
- Participants: Tom (Co-founder), Dan (Co-founder), and select community members
We welcome any questions related to our mission, activities, challenges, or insights on men’s mental health and connection.
Highlights of Our Journey
Over the past 18 months, Shoulder to Shoulder has achieved numerous milestones, including:
- Hosting Over 300 Events: From casual curry and pizza nights to board game evenings, yoga sessions, men’s circles, hikes, retreats, and run clubs.
- Establishing Core Values: Respect, authenticity, growth, ambition, and connection serve as the foundation of our community.
- Forming a Leadership Group: The ‘Connectors’—a volunteer team of 18 men dedicated to organizing events and supporting members.
- Partnering for Impact: Collaborations with organizations like Beder enable us to provide therapy and mental health resources to our community.
- Recognition and Media Attention: The Times dubbed us the ‘men’s group solving loneliness in the capital,’ while The Independent referred to us as the ‘anti-manosphere community.’
- Engagement with City Leaders: Meeting with Sadiq Khan, the Lord Mayor of London, to discuss issues of loneliness and community-building.
- Participation in Pride London: Demonstrating our commitment to inclusivity and connection.
Addressing Challenges and Opportunities
While proud of our progress, we recognize there are challenges we wish to discuss openly:
- Sustainability: Balancing the community’s accessibility with operational costs remains a challenge—our optional membership model helps members give back but is not fully sustainable.
- Changing Perceptions: Challenging the stigma around ‘men’s groups’—particularly the negative connotations associated with the ‘manosphere’—and working to reshape public perceptions.
- Handling Feedback: Addressing and learning from critiques, including some negative experiences shared online, to improve our community.
Transparency and accountability are core to our ethos. We believe in openly discussing our successes and setbacks to foster trust and continuous growth.
Our Role in Society
We are increasingly recognized as contributors to broader conversations about loneliness, mental health, and fostering meaningful relationships in urban environments. Our community aspires to be a positive force for societal change, emphasizing the importance of connection in modern life.
Join the Conversation
We invite you to participate in our AMA—whether you’re interested in men’s mental health, community building, or simply curious about what makes our group unique. No question is too small or too big. We look forward to engaging with you and sharing insights from our journey.
Connect with Us
- Instagram: must be linked as
- Website: shoulder.mn.co
Thank you for your support and interest in Shoulder to Shoulder—together, we’re building a stronger, more connected London.