“It's a cliché, but I was lost when I found Men's Circle.”

A series of events - my mum's cancer diagnosis, losing my job and the end of a relationship - left me overwhelmed and unsure how to process what was happening. I slipped into addiction and relied on unhealthy coping strategies to numb and escape reality. I was insecure, immature and disconnected from myself. I had no real sense of who I was, and I was only just beginning my journey of self-development. Life felt daunting.

I came across Men's Circle almost by accident. Looking for connection, accountability and support, I found a drop-in circle on Meetup organised by Pasco. I didn't think too much about it; I simply clicked “attending” and decided to give it a try. The chance to connect online in a sober, safe environment appealed to me.

I was skeptical, but curious enough to step in.

That first experience surprised me. There were only three of us that evening. I can't remember exactly what we discussed, but I remember how it felt. I found myself speaking openly with two men old enough to be my father about subjects I'd never been able to discuss with my own dad. They listened without judgement and offered thoughtful reflections on what I was going through.

For the first time in a long time, I felt seen, heard and understood.

The intergenerational aspect of that conversation has stayed with me ever since. I believe it's one of the great strengths of these circles. I left feeling less alone, and with the sense that there was something here worth exploring.

Soon afterwards, I committed to a private circle - a year-long journey with five other men. At 31, I was the youngest in the group. We met every week as I navigated the ups and downs of early recovery. Slowly, I began to change.

Simply listening to the wisdom, honesty and perspectives of the other men taught me more than I expected.

A couple of them remain close mentors and friends today.

Eventually I trained as a Men's Circle facilitator. The training itself was immersive and rewarding, but what I value most is being part of a community of thoughtful, self-aware, growth-oriented men. We continue to meet regularly, supporting one another's personal development while bringing our own experiences, skills and perspectives to the wider community.

My first private circle as a facilitator ran for nine months. Over that time we built enough trust to share our stories honestly and explore what was really happening beneath the surface. The bond that developed between us was powerful. Although I was holding space for others, I also felt safe enough to show up fully myself. That's what this work has become for me:

• Gradually removing the masks and discovering that I don't need them.
• Realising that I'm okay, and perhaps always was.

Over the past few years I've continued exploring men's work beyond Men's Circle. I've attended both men's and mixed-gender retreats, each offering something different. I've discovered the world of conscious festivals, co-facilitated sauna circles, promoted men's mental health and wellbeing in gyms, and expanded my interests in holistic practices, such as yoga, breathwork and meditation. They're all different expressions of the same purpose: creating a meaningful life while helping build stronger, more connected communities.

With the support of Men's Circle and many others, my life has changed profoundly.

Today I'm happy and healthy. I've learnt to take responsibility for myself and built evidence that I can follow through on my commitments. I've retrained as a personal trainer and life coach - work that feels deeply meaningful.

My relationships with family and friends are stronger, while I've also found the courage to redefine those that no longer served me.

I've healed from heartbreak and developed a clearer sense of the man I want to become: someone who can one day show up with integrity for his own family.

Perhaps the biggest transformation has been replacing the sense of freedom, belonging and connection I once chased through partying and drugs with something far more genuine, nourishing and sustainable. Men's Circle, and the men I've met through it, have played an enormous role in that transformation. For that, I'll always be grateful.

My hope now is to have a similar impact on the life of the next man who walks through the door. I don't know exactly who that will be or what that will look like, but I have complete faith in the power of genuine human connection.

We're stronger together.

Thank you for letting me share.