95% of men felt more comfortable connecting with others after taking part in community talking circles in Powys

“The welcoming space allowed me to be myself whether I was feeling sad, angry or happy. I noticed in the weeks after the event, I’m more ‘myself’ in my life, trusting that I can express who I am, and if I accept myself, then that is what counts.”

A simple conversation can change how someone feels about themselves, their relationships and their place within their community.

With the support of a £1,970 grant from Fund for Wales, funded by players of Postcode Lottery, Powys Men’s Circle delivered a series of men’s talking circles across mid Wales, creating welcoming spaces where men could connect, share experiences and build supportive relationships.

The project reached communities in Llandrindod Wells, Llanafan, Newtown and Machynlleth, delivering ten talking circles in partnership with local groups and organisations.

Rather than expecting participants to travel or join a new organisation, Powys Men’s Circle took the sessions directly into communities, working alongside established groups including Newtown Men’s Shed, Platform 1, and a cooperative housing association in Machynlleth.

Creating space for genuine connection

The sessions encouraged men to step away from traditional problem-solving approaches and instead focus on listening and reflecting, allowing them to better understand each other.

Participants were invited to share their experiences in a non-judgemental environment where they could speak openly, be heard and recognise that others may be experiencing similar challenges.

Measurable impact

The impact of the project was measured through pre and post-session wellbeing questionnaires.

The results were very positive, with 95% of participants reporting that they felt more comfortable connecting with other men after attending the sessions.

Feedback highlighted the value of creating spaces where participants could explore their emotions, listen to one another and build trust without fear of judgement or unsolicited advice.

Beyond individual wellbeing, the project also helped strengthen community relationships. By bringing the talking circles into existing groups, participants were able to deepen connections with one another and build a stronger sense of belonging.

Learning for the future

The project reinforced what Powys Men’s Circle has observed through its wider work: meaningful change doesn’t always require complex interventions.

Instead, creating a welcoming environment, offering skilled facilitation and providing opportunities for honest conversation can have a profound impact on mental wellbeing and social connection.

Reflecting on the project, the team identified opportunities to further strengthen future sessions by encouraging even greater openness at the outset and developing more consistent methods of gathering long-term feedback.

Looking ahead, Powys Men’s Circle hopes to build on the relationships formed during the project and support more community groups to adopt the Talking Circle approach within their own regular activities.

Their long-term ambition is to help local groups develop the confidence and skills needed to sustain these conversations independently, ensuring more men have opportunities to connect within their communities.

Thanks to players of Postcode Lottery and donations into Fund for Wales, Powys Men’s Circle is helping create stronger connections, greater understanding and lasting support networks for men across mid Wales.