How Simple Invitations Can Shift Everything

My Story: A Rainy Morning and a Lifeline

I was handing out maps at the start of a rainy Saturday walk—just a casual meetup idea to help men show up. Over coffee, I noticed something: most had driven, but none looked eager to go in alone. Yet, as soon as they started walking, conersations of new stories spread across the trail.

One guy admitted, “I haven’t laughed like this in months,” and another stayed quiet, shoulder to shoulder felt enough. As we walked, the drizzle didn’t matter. Connection did. Men who thought they were “fine on their own” found that a shared path, a shared moment, was stronger company.

As someone who’s worked with men across careers for years, what stood out wasn’t the walk—it was the invitation. Not an appointment—but a shared moment, a simple “come along.” And that’s what MoMENtum is about: making that small invitation feel big enough to bring company in when solitude weighs heavier.

News Spotlight: Transport, Isolation & How We're Disconnecting

A Guardian article from July reported that people who rely heavily on cars—especially outside big cities—are significantly more prone to loneliness compared to those with better public transport links. Connection isn’t just social—it’s practical. And when community feels hard to get to, even wanting to join can feel impossible. thetimes.co.uk

The same article reminds us that lowering practical barriers can significantly build connection.

A question as simple as “Fancy I pick you up?” can shift someone from “I’ll skip” to “I might actually go.” That small gesture—making arrival easier—frees the shared moment.

At MoMENtum, we don’t expect perfection. We just offer the chance to step out, show up, and connect—on terms that make sense.

3 Barriers We Remove—and How

1. Drop-off or ride-along options

   A lift costs little, but it's everything when it turns isolation into access.

   
   

2. Choose accessible start points

   Meeting at a well-known cafe or local green space (not hidden trails) makes joining feel achievable.

   
   

3. Normalize joint intro walks

   Open with: “Let’s walk and talk,” not “Are you ready for this?” Natural shared moments invite trust, not pressure.

   
   

Your Moment is Waiting

Belonging doesn’t require your arrival to be perfect. It starts with a drive, a drop, or a shared cup. At MoMENtum, we’re building spaces where you don’t need to speak big stories—you just need to show up, shoulder to shoulder, step by step.

Ready to join us for our next event?It’s invitation enough. Your pace, your piece of path—just show up.— Alan R. Stokes, Director, MoMENtumConnection. Action. Belonging.

About the Author

Alan R. Stokes brings 15+ years of experience supporting men through life’s challenges—from his construction background to counselling practice. He founded MoMENtum knowing that belonging often begins with a small, shared step.