Why we do this
Men and boys are navigating a world of rapid social change, shifting expectations and increasing isolation. We offer the tools, knowledge, and experiences that help them meet life’s challenges with confidence and the ability to embrace its opportunities.
The challenges men and boys face
Across the UK, millions of men and boys are doing their best to live well, care for the people around them and contribute to their communities. But the world they’re navigating is changing fast, and many are doing it without the support, connection or guidance they need.
We know that when men have opportunities to belong, contribute and talk honestly about what’s going on in their lives, they are happier, healthier, more resilient and better able to support themselves and others.
What we offer
At MensCraft, our mission is to support men to become happier and healthier through innovative, co-produced activities and evidence-based approaches. Our programmes demonstrably improve men’s mental health and overall wellbeing by building resilience and creating opportunities for reflection, enabling them to better navigate life’s transitions and times of stress or crisis.
Loneliness and isolation
Loneliness has become a significant issue for men in the UK.
- Around 8 million men report feeling lonely at least once a week, and nearly 3 million feel lonely every day.
- Surveys suggest around one in ten adults say they have no close friends, with middle-aged men among the most likely to report this.
- Many men grow up with the message that they should be independent, self-reliant and not “burden” others with their struggles. Over time, this can make it harder to reach out for connection or support, even when it’s needed.
But loneliness is not a personal failure. It’s a signal that people need belonging, friendship and shared purpose.
Hopelessness and suicide
The consequences of hopelessness can be devastating.
- Men account for around three quarters of all suicides in the UK.
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50.
- In 2023, the male suicide rate in England and Wales reached 17.4 deaths per 100,000 — the highest level since 1999.
These statistics are sobering. But they also point to something hopeful: suicide prevention is possible when people are supported early, connected to others and able to talk openly about what they’re going through.
Growing up male today
Boys and young men today are navigating a complicated cultural landscape. On one hand, many traditional ideas about masculinity are changing. Boys are encouraged to be more emotionally aware, respectful and thoughtful about relationships.
On the other hand, they are often exposed to conflicting messages.
Some online communities – often described as the “manosphere” – promote simplified and harmful ideas about what it means to be a man. These narratives may tell boys that:
- strength means dominance
- emotions are weakness
- women owe men attention or status
- anger and frustration are someone else’s fault
For boys who feel lonely, uncertain or left behind, these messages can be powerful. They promise belonging, clarity and identity — but often deliver resentment and disconnection instead.
What many boys actually need is something much healthier: role models, guidance and places where they can figure things out safely with others.
A different approach
At MensCraft, we don’t see men and boys as a problem to be fixed. We see them as people with strengths, insight and the capacity to make things better.
When men are supported to build friendships, take part in meaningful activities and develop emotional awareness, they contribute enormously to their families, workplaces and communities.
Our programmes create spaces where men can:
- build confidence and purpose
- connect with others through shared activities
- talk honestly about the challenges they face
- develop healthier ways of navigating relationships and emotions
In other words, we focus on what helps men grow stronger — not tougher, but steadier.
Why this work matters
Supporting men is not only about improving individual wellbeing. It strengthens families, relationships and communities.
When men have opportunities to connect with others, contribute their skills and talk openly about life’s challenges:
- families benefit from more engaged fathers, partners and sons
- relationships are built on respect, understanding and shared responsibility
- communities gain from men’s time, skills and leadership
- boys grow up seeing healthier, more confident versions of masculinity
This is why we do what we do.
Because when men have activity, meaning and connection, they are better able to support the people and communities around them