Mens Group

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Through a weekly group, this all-male environment provides clients with the opportunity to meet, socialise, play indoor games and see the City and its surrounding countryside.

We've been going for about two years now, during which time we have been steadily growing with activities becoming more diverse and exciting. By default we have a space at the Refugee Centre where we play table tennis, pool and darts, have a tea and coffee, a chat and socialise.

We have some very committed and experienced volunteers who sensitively engage with the men who come. By and large we are pretty light-hearted, but there can be difficult and emotional moments, for example when one of our men was describing everything he had lost back home. Even men with very little English will have an enjoyable time. We also provide a range of other activities. mens_group_header.JPG

We go to the countryside regularly for boat trips or barbecues and these occasions are invariably accompanied by drumming sessions. This gives the group the opportunity not only to enjoy the countryside, but also to advertise themselves and say in a big, noisy way "We are here!" We always make a big splash when we're on the canal boat going past other boats or through built-up areas.On the canalside during a barbecue, other passing-by boats will really respond positively to the group and the drumming. mens_group_body.JPG

We've run other activities, including workshops provided by both the Herbert Gallery and the Belgrade Theatre. As a result of one of these, one of our men appeared in a production at the Belgrade. One volunteer is a skilled musician and has given workshops on ethnic instruments and drumming. He also rehearsed the group for their appearance playing at the Refugee Centre's 10th Anniversary celebrations in Coventry Cathedral.

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The Group has been developing and growing ever since it started and we look forward to its continuing development and growth as we move into our third year.

Mens Group Meet at CRMC every Thursday afternoon, for more details see our events section.