UPGRADE - Men's Circle (Edinburgh)
Come sit with a group of men for some real talk, in a confidential space, lead by a trained menswork facilitator.
Location
EH2 4BB
HOGV, Level 2 127 Rose Street South Lane Edinburgh EH2 4BB United KingdomGood to know
Highlights
- Ages 18+
- In person
About this event
What is a Men's Circle?
At its core, a men’s circle is a group of guys, sitting down together for a chat, sharing whatever is on their minds, guided by a trained facilitator.
It’s a confidential space away from your daily life, somewhere you know you can feel truly seen and heard. Somewhere to just talk - real talk - as little or as much as you like, without judgement or interruption. And simply by being there, hearing the others in return, you’ll be helping them navigate their own paths.
Why Do I Need This?
Just like having a personal trainer for your body, a men’s circle is a way to workout your emotional intelligence, integrity, and sense of direction. Not only can it help you feel more socially connected, but it allows you a little breathing space in your week to figure out how to show up better for your loved ones, and for yourself.
What can I expect?
Each session begins with an agreement and a check-in with where you’re at, followed by a varying set of conversations, shares and challenges, either in small groups or duos, or as a whole group. You don’t need to speak if that’s something you struggle with, but know that every man there will be given a equal chance to hold the floor, and speak about whatever they're carrying that day.
This isn’t therapy, or religion, or some dark manosphere thing you've heard about in the news. It’s simply a group of like-minded guys, coming together for a chat - figuring out how to be better men, one share at a time.
All (men) welcome.
Located right in the heart of Edinburgh (just off Rose Street), all you need to do is show up, and pull up a cushion in the circle.
See you there?
Frequently asked questions
Sure thing. Drop me (Demis) a line on demis@upgrade.men, or send me a DM via Instagram (https://instagram.com/upgrade_menswork). Always happy to jump on Zoom/audio/video if you'd like some face-to-face!
Not these sessions specifically, but Upgrade is about to launch an online platform, running regular Men's Circles via Zoom. See @upgrade_menswork on Instagram for more details, or check back here in this FAQ soon :)
Yes. There is nothing to pay, and there are no plans to begin charging for the Men's Circle in the future.
No. It's just another place to share your feelings. Our general aim is to be there to listen, not respond or fix. If things get too heavy for anyone at any point, the facilitator will step in with whatever support/signposting is needed. Everyone's safety and wellbeing is our number one priority.
No. Upgrade does not promote any particular set of spiritual or religious beliefs, aiming to provide a neutral space for all to feel welcome in. Menswork occasionally touches on some aspects of Jungian psychology, but only as metaphors/tools for looking at the self. All beliefs welcome!
No, sorry. Not for any reason beyond this being about creating a safe, confidential space for men to feel like they can be their most authentic selves.
Obviously you won't be forced to do anything you don't want to do! Having said that, just know that if there's any time to face that fear, push back against that discomfort, it's right here in a Men's Circle. Just come along anyway, but do let the facilitator know your concern - we've got your back.
We will all make an agreement together at the start of the session that nothing heard or spoken will be repeated once we go our separate ways. It's a mutual trust, rather than a guarantee, and I'd like to think we can all trust one another to uphold that agreement.
Organized by
Upgrade has one mission: to help people elevate their lives by providing spaces for deeper talk.
Based in central Edinburgh, Upgrade was founded by Demis Lyall-Wilson in late 2024. For more information about this or other Upgrade events, don't hesitate to get in touch!