Three Bedford organisations have come together to offer a new community programme to help men’s togetherness, connection and social inclusion.
Hawaa Empower, Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (Beds RCC) and the Borough’s leisure provider, GLL have come together to deliver ‘Men Get Active’, which has already helped men create new friendships and connections, all while remaining fit and healthy.
‘Men Get Active’ was developed in response to increasing local need for accessible, non-pressured environments where men feel comfortable being active. Many men prefer community-based, relaxed spaces over traditional gym settings.
This initiative offers an inclusive environment where men can take part in sport, talk openly and connect with others at their own pace.
The first session, held on 26 October at Bedford International Athletic Stadium, brought together a diverse group of local men, including students, professionals, fathers, tradesmen and retirees.
The afternoon included football, badminton and table tennis in a friendly, welcoming setting.
The strong turnout demonstrated a clear need for community-led sessions that make physical activity feel accessible and supportive. The venue helped create an environment where men of all ages and backgrounds felt comfortable joining in.
“It was encouraging to see men from all backgrounds taking part in a space that felt relaxed, open and welcoming”, said Moby Rahman, co-founder of Hawaa Empower.
“The atmosphere on the day showed how much men value opportunities where they can be active, meet others and feel comfortable being themselves.”
Try something new
The session was delivered collaboratively by Hawaa Empower, Beds RCC and its M.E.E.T Programme and Better, with each organisation playing a role in reaching men who may not usually access traditional leisure settings.
“The collaboration between M.E.E.T, Hawaa Empower and Better reminded us how important it is to give young men spaces to move, connect with the community and feel part of something bigger”, said Beds RCC volunteer, Aadil.
“The session gave young men the chance to try new sports and meet like minded individuals in a safe, comfortable environment. It gave many of these young men the opportunity to take part in something they wouldn’t normally have access to.”
Research carried out by Opinium twelve months ago, suggested that one in ten men in the UK have “no close friends”, amidst a growing sense of a ‘loneliness epidemic’, with men aged 15 to 35 reporting high levels of loneliness.
Men Get Active aims to continue providing opportunities to tackle this problem.
“We are truly pleased to have worked in partnership with Better and Hawaa”, added Beds RCC Director of Operations, Kate Ellis.
“As an organisation, we remain committed to collaborating with others to support and empower our diverse communities.
“Engaging men to be active in nature-based activities to improve their overall health and wellbeing sits at the heart of our organisation’s values and those of the MEET programme”.
With facility support from GLL, the initiative highlights the positive impact that accessible leisure spaces can have on men’s health, confidence and social inclusion.
“An unspoken issue”
GLL Community Sports Manager, Aaron Colbert noted his pride in providing opportunities such as ‘Men Get Active’ in Bedford.
“One of the most unspoken issues that faces us all today is poor mental health amongst young men”, noted Aaron.
“Rates of mental health problems and the issues that follow are soaring across the country, and without groups such as M.E.E.T and Hawaa Empower, many local men would have no outlet to share their feelings or get active with their peers.
“Without these spaces, many would become increasingly isolated and their challenges would only worsen.
“The positive effect physical activity has on mental health is endless, which makes me proud, as someone working in leisure, to support organisations that provide such opportunities for local men.”
The partner organisations now plan to offer further sessions and new collaborative projects to support men’s wellbeing across Bedford.
For more information or to get involved, you can visit www.hawaa.org, follow @hawaaempower and @m.e.e.t_bedford on Instagram and you can also visit www.bedsrcc.org.uk.
Other recognised services include the Samaritans, who offer a free helpline on 116 123, support via email at jo@samaritans.org, or you can visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
Alternatively, you can call MIND directly on 0300 123 3393 or visit mind.org.uk.
