Professional Group Work for Men: Unplug. Re-Calibrate. Perform.
A West Sussex Men’s Group: The System Check
At some point, most men stop asking how they're really doing. Not because things are fine. But because there doesn't seem to be much space to answer honestly. The System Check is a weekend where that changes.
What is it?
Two days in a converted barn in rural West Sussex — sofas, hot drinks, old farming machinery, and a small group of men who've shown up for the same reason you have.
It's not a retreat. It's not a workshop. It's not therapy, exactly — though it's led by two qualified therapists who know how to hold a room.
It's a weekend where you get to be a bit more honest than usual. About what's going on. About where you're headed. About what you actually want.
You'll leave on Sunday with more clarity than you arrived with on Saturday. And you'll probably leave with a couple of new friendships too — the kind that are harder and harder to make as you get older, but no less necessary.
Who's it for?
Men who are functioning fine on the outside and know something's off on the inside. Men who are curious about themselves but don't have many places to explore that. Men who are tired of conversations that only ever go surface deep.
You don't need to have done therapy before. You don't need to know what you want to say. You just need to be open — even slightly — to the idea that a weekend like this might be worth it.
What actually happens?
You'll work in a small group, facilitated by Gavin and Nathan — two therapists who've been running men's groups together for three years. Nobody lectures. Nobody tells you what to think or feel.
You can listen for as long as you need to before you speak. There's no pressure to perform or have it figured out. The barn is warm enough, the coffee is good, and there'll be time outside walking through the woods too.
Most men find that hearing other men talk honestly — about the same pressures, the same doubts, the same quiet weight — is the most useful part. You're not as alone in this as you thought.
The Details
Dates: Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th September 2026
Time: 09:30 – 16:30 each day
Location: Dane Hill, West Sussex
Group size: Small — places strictly limited
Cost: £350 — includes both days, the introductory chat, refreshments, and a follow-up online session the week after
FAQs - The System Check
Is this residential? Do I need to book accommodation?
1
The System Check is two daytime sessions — Saturday and Sunday, 09:30 to 16:30. You go home each evening.
Most men find that Saturday night at home is actually useful. The day will have stirred things up — in a good way — and having some quiet time to let things settle is part of the process. Our suggestion is to keep Saturday evening simple. Be a bit gentle with yourself. You don't need to have it all figured out by Sunday morning.
If you're travelling from further afield and want to stay locally, Dane Hill is in rural West Sussex so we'd recommend booking accommodation in Haywards Heath or the surrounding area in advance.
What about food?
2
Please bring a packed lunch — there's no catering on site and it's a rural location so nipping out isn't really an option. We'll have tea, coffee and hot drinks throughout both days. Think of it as a flask-and-sandwich kind of weekend, not a hotel. That's part of the point.
What's said in the room — does it stay in the room?
3
Yes. At the start of the weekend the group will come to its own agreement around confidentiality — what gets shared in that barn, stays in that barn. That's not a rule we impose, it's an understanding the group builds together. And in our experience, men take it seriously.
Do I have to talk?
4
No. You can listen for as long as you need to. Some of the most valuable experiences happen when men simply hear others speaking honestly — and recognise themselves in what's being said. You'll speak when you're ready.
Other men have said in the past…
“I found the group incredibly helpful and accessible. I saw the advert, reached out, was welcomed in and attended. It got me talking and also felt wonderful to hear other people's challenges. Being a veteran it also helped me to know many others from all sorts of walks of life struggle with similar things. I even spoke about Talk Club at work during a panel event in Movember. Huge thanks to Nathan & Gavin.”
— Ed“Talk Club has been a game-changer for me. It's provided a safe space where I can connect with other men and talk openly about my feelings — something I never realised I needed so badly. When I moved to the area I didn't know many people and Talk Club helped me build some meaningful connections with like-minded men in the community. More often than not someone else in the group is experiencing or has been through a similar situation and can relate to what you're feeling.
What I also find refreshing is that Talk Club isn't all about gloom and doom — it's also a place where we celebrate progress. Hearing from someone who's gone through a tough time and come out the other side stronger is incredibly uplifting. My wife and friends have noticed a subtle but positive change in me since I've been attending Talk Club. I'm more open, and more at peace with myself. I can't recommend Talk Club highly enough in its ability to break down barriers and help build resilience.”
— Hugh“I find having a male-only space brings with it a unique special dynamic which I value as I find it can be easier to talk freely and be understood as a man by other men in a space like this. I feel the sessions support and bring a feeling of building a connected community and camaraderie. I know these sessions can be helpful for those who struggle with a sense of isolation. Thanks for all you do and may your Talk Club groups long continue and go from strength to strength.”
— Pete
Not sure yet?
That's fine — expected, even. Start with a free 20-minute chat with Gavin or Nathan. No commitment, no pressure. Just a conversation to see if it feels right.
Because the only question worth answering is: is this the right time for me?