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MOMENTUM BLOG
Ideas, Stories & Ways To Keep Moving Forward
Explore honest insights, practical advice and stories about friendship, wellbeing, confidence, connection and life as a man.


Why men feel lonely even when they’re not alone
Men can feel lonely even when surrounded by other people because loneliness isn't simply about being physically alone. A man may have a partner, family and work colleagues but still lack friendships, belonging or people he can spontaneously spend time with. Rebuilding connection often starts with regular shared activity rather than forcing emotional conversations.
Alan Stokes
2 days ago11 min read


Find Your Tribe in Plymouth: Building Local Connections That Actually Stick
Most of your old mates seem to have disappeared somewhere between work, relationships, kids and life. You find yourself stuck in a routine of work, home, repeat. Maybe you’ve moved to Plymouth recently and don’t know many people. Or perhaps you’re a dad whose social life has shrunk to school runs and bedtime stories. Whatever the reason, it’s easy to feel like your circle’s gotten smaller than you’d like.
Alan Stokes
Sep 114 min read


Overcoming Shame: Shame Recovery Strategies for Men
Most of your old mates seem to have disappeared somewhere between work, relationships, kids and life. Days blur into weeks, and suddenly your social circle feels more like a dot than a circle. You might find yourself stuck in a routine of work, home, and family, with little time or energy left for anything else. Or maybe you’ve recently moved to Plymouth and don’t know many people yet. Whatever the reason, that shrinking social life can bring a sneaky feeling along for the ri
Alan Stokes
Sep 74 min read


Why Men Struggle to Engage in Men’s Groups and What the Benefits Are
Most of your old mates seem to have disappeared somewhere between work, relationships, kids and life. You might find yourself stuck in a routine of work, home, and family, with little time or energy left for socialising. Or maybe you’ve moved to Plymouth recently and don’t know many people around here. Whatever the reason, joining a men’s group can feel like a bit of a leap. But it’s worth it. Let’s have a proper chat about why it’s tough to get involved and why it’s well wor
Alan Stokes
Sep 44 min read


The Journey of Change: Why Showing Up Matters
For a lot of men, the hardest part isn’t knowing something needs to change.
It’s doing something about it.
Not because they don’t want to.
But because:
They’re unsure what it’ll be like
They don’t know anyone there
It feels slightly outside their normal routine
So the idea stays as an idea.
“I might go at some point.”
“I’ll check it out another time.”
And nothing changes.
Alan Stokes
Jul 223 min read


“You Don’t Need Therapy — You Need Connection (Here’s Why)”
When something feels off, the default advice is often:
“Maybe you should talk to someone.”
And for some people, that’s exactly what helps.
But for a lot of men, the response is different.
Not resistant.
Not dismissive.
Just… not quite right.
Because the issue they’re experiencing isn’t always something that needs to be analysed or unpacked.
More often than not, it’s something much simpler.
They’re missing connection.
Alan Stokes
Jul 153 min read


“Why Opening Up Feels So Uncomfortable (And What To Do Instead)”
“Just open up.”
It’s common advice.
Simple. Direct. Well-intended.
But for a lot of men, it doesn’t feel simple at all.
In fact, it can feel:
Unnatural
Forced
Uncomfortable
Even unnecessary
So instead of helping, it often creates resistance.
And that raises a better question:
Why does opening up feel so difficult in the first place?
Alan Stokes
Jul 83 min read


Discover the Value of Men's Groups in Plymouth: Embracing Men's Social Activities UK
When I first heard about men's groups, I admit I was a bit skeptical. What could a bunch of blokes chatting over tea or a pint really offer? But as someone who's navigated the ups and downs of life in Plymouth, I quickly realised these groups are more than just social clubs. They are lifelines - places where men over 30 can find connection, support, and a sense of belonging. If you’re like me, juggling work, family, and the occasional bout of loneliness, this might just be th
Alan Stokes
Jul 84 min read


“Always Busy, Never Fulfilled: The Modern Man’s Trap”
A lot of men are busy.
Work is full.
Days are structured.
There’s always something to do.
From the outside, it can look like things are going well.
But underneath that, there’s a different experience.
A sense that despite everything being in place…
Something still isn’t quite right.
Alan Stokes
Jul 13 min read


Making Friends After 30: Finding Connection in Plymouth
Making friends used to be straightforward.
School. College. Work. Sport.
You were around people regularly, and connection happened naturally.
There wasn’t much thought involved.
But at some point—usually in your 30's—that changes.
Not dramatically.
Just enough to notice that:
It’s not as easy as it used to be.
Alan Stokes
Jun 243 min read


When Your Social Life Disappears Without You Noticing
It doesn’t usually happen suddenly.
There’s no clear moment where you think:
“That’s it. My social life’s gone.”
It’s more gradual than that.
You get busy.
Life fills up.
Priorities shift.
And somewhere along the way, without really noticing…
Your social life fades into the background.
Alan Stokes
Jun 173 min read


How Men Can Keep Their Relationships with Their Children as Teenagers and Young Adults
Building and maintaining a strong relationship with your children as they grow into teenagers and young adults can feel like walking a tightrope. The changes they go through, the new challenges they face, and the natural push for independence can create distance. But staying connected is possible, and it’s worth the effort. I want to share some practical ways men can keep those bonds strong, even when it feels like your child is slipping away.
Alan Stokes
Jun 154 min read


Managing ADHD as a Man After a Diagnosis Later in Life
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can feel like a mix of relief and confusion. You finally have a name for the struggles you’ve faced, but now you’re wondering how to manage it. For men over 30, especially those living in Plymouth, this journey can be challenging but also full of hope. I want to share some practical ways to handle ADHD after a late diagnosis and highlight a local service that can really make a difference.
Alan Stokes
Jun 144 min read


The Silent Pressure on Men to ‘Hold It All Together’
There’s a pressure a lot of men carry.
Not always spoken about.
Not always obvious.
But it’s there.
Alan Stokes
Jun 103 min read


Managing ADHD as a Man After a Diagnosis Later in Life
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can feel like a mix of relief and confusion. You finally have an explanation for years of struggles, but now you face the challenge of managing it in your daily life. For men over 30, especially those living in Plymouth, this journey can be both unique and demanding. I want to share what I’ve learned about handling ADHD after a late diagnosis, with practical tips and some helpful tools that can make a real difference.
Alan Stokes
Jun 104 min read


Rebuilding Your Life After a Relationship Breakdown
Breaking up is tough. It shakes your world and leaves you wondering how to move forward. If you’re a man over 30 in Plymouth, feeling isolated or unsure about what comes next, you’re not alone. Rebuilding your life after a relationship ends takes time, patience, and the right support.
Alan Stokes
Jun 63 min read


Getting the Balance of Life Right and Making Time for You
Finding the right balance in life can feel like chasing a shadow. Between work, family, and social commitments, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters—making time for yourself. I’ve been there, juggling too many things and feeling stretched thin. But over time, I’ve learned that carving out moments just for me isn’t selfish; it’s essential.
Alan Stokes
Jun 45 min read


Why Men Don’t Talk (And What Actually Helps Instead)
“Men just don’t talk.”
It’s something you hear a lot.
Said casually.
Repeated often.
Almost accepted as fact.
But when you look closer, it’s not quite true.
Because men do talk.
Just not always in the way people expect.
And not always in environments that make it easy.
Alan Stokes
Jun 34 min read


Ways to Make New Friends with Momentum
Making new friends as an adult can feel tricky. Life gets busy, routines settle in, and chances to meet new people seem rare. But building friendships is worth the effort. It brings support, fun, and a sense of belonging. The key is to create momentum—small steps that lead to lasting connections. I want to share some practical ways to do just that, especially if you’re in Plymouth and looking for a community of like-minded men over 30.
Alan Stokes
Jun 24 min read


How to Get Over a Relationship Breakdown and Find Your Way Forward
Breaking up is tough. It shakes your world and leaves you feeling lost. If you’re a man over 30 in Plymouth, you might find yourself wondering how to move on, how to heal, and how to rebuild your life. I’ve been there, and I want to share some honest, practical advice that helped me and many others find a way through the pain.
Alan Stokes
May 294 min read
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