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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.
Breaking Isolation


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


“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


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


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


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


Learn about the Benefits of Joining Momentum Men Support Group in Plymouth
MoMENtum Men’s Support Group helps men 30+ in Plymouth beat loneliness, build real friendships, share experiences, and feel supported.
Alan Stokes
Jan 255 min read


When Men Lose Their Role or Identity: Finding Your Way Back
Struggling with divorce, redundancy or retirement? Learn how to handle role loss, manage emotions and rebuild a stronger sense of self.
Alan Stokes
Dec 2, 20254 min read


How Modern Life Trains Us to Ignore Our Own Needs
Modern life pressures men to push aside their needs. Discover why it happens, the hidden costs, and how groups like MoMENtum create connection and belonging.
Alan Stokes
Nov 18, 20255 min read


The Hidden Cost of Always Saying “I’m Fine”
Discover why men default to “I’m fine,” the hidden costs of silence, and how MoMENtum events in Plymouth help men connect, belong, and thrive.
Alan Stokes
Nov 11, 20255 min read


Why Rest Feels Harder Than Work (and What to Do About It)
If you’ve ever sat down to “switch off” and immediately felt guilty, restless, or itchy for your phone—this is for you. Many men tell me...
Alan Stokes
Nov 4, 20254 min read


Are You Lonely? The Feeling We Don’t Talk About
“Loneliness is the signal men rarely speak about. Discover why silence around loneliness harms wellbeing—and how honest connection can change everything.”
Alan Stokes
Oct 31, 20254 min read


The Mask of Perfection: Breaking Free from the Burden
“Why chasing ‘flawless’ keeps men stuck. Discover how putting down the perfect shield eases pressure, reduces isolation, and builds real strength through connection.”
Alan Stokes
Oct 24, 20254 min read


Embracing Vulnerability: A Path to Connection and Growth
Discover why vulnerability isn’t weakness, how avoidance harms relationships, and practical steps to build courage, honesty, and connection.
Alan Stokes
Oct 17, 20254 min read


Shame – the Silent Pain We Carry
The “never good enough” feeling Shame is the emotion that whispers, “You’re not enough.” It shapes our inner commentary and nudges us to...
Alan Stokes
Oct 10, 20253 min read


The Mask of Perfection, the Fear of Vulnerability, and the Cost of Silence
Discover how perfectionism and silence hurt men’s wellbeing—and how vulnerability, honesty, and brotherhood build real strength.
Alan Stokes
Oct 3, 20254 min read


Accountability & Brotherhood: Why Men Can’t Do This Alone
MoMENtum Men’s Group helps men in Plymouth build accountability, brotherhood, and connection. Discover why no man thrives alone.
Alan Stokes
Sep 26, 20253 min read


Riding the Rollercoaster of Starting Something New: My Journey with MoMENtum Men’s Group
“Starting MoMENtum Men’s Group has been a rollercoaster of excitement, fear, and hope. Discover the highs, lows, and lessons of building something that matters.”
Alan Stokes
Sep 20, 20254 min read
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