Men’s Space
Men’s Space is a non-judgemental space where men can safely explore their lives, in a format that is simple and held.
Held in Lewes, we’ll meet for around 2 hours per week (initially).
We’ll sit, sometimes walk, together. This is a time for you, intended as just one part of your support structure, to enable you to be listened to, hear other’s experiences, reflect and regroup.
A simple structure including…
Sitting together, sometimes round a fire. Tea and snacks.
A few minutes silence to listen in and focus.
Taking turns to speak and be heard.
Offering feedback to each other, only if invited.
Confidentiality.
Occasionally we might walk, or make with clay, or bash a drum, or write.
Outcomes.
We want the men that attend to come away starting to…
– feel better about being a man.
– have more tools for expressing with authenticity.
– know it’s ok to be vulnerable, caring, flawed.
– question views of stereotypical male roles that no longer serve society.
– have new ways to talk about male identity.
– find the confidence to question toxic viewpoints.
This group will be facilitated by Jonathan Brown
Who?
Jonathan Brown is Artistic Director of Something Underground.
Jonathan is a trained teacher, former Head of Physics, mediator, and currently group facilitator, holder of men’s spaces, writer, performer and director.
Amongst other experience, Jonathan is trained in facilitation group work, mediation, in Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed (Forum Theatre) techniques, the Fool, the Clown, dance, puppetry, theatre. He has held outreach workshops for boys at risk in a professional theatrical setting, is adept at creating innovative programmes, has worked in a wide variety of school and work place settings, including a National Helpline, PRU’s, prisons, with excluded boys, boys in care, boys who are missing school through mental illness. He is the long-term (9 years) holder of the men’s space at the annual week-long Buddhafield Family Retreat and is a multi-award-winning writer and performer.
He has spent time with/worked with/been in conversation with/learned from Robert Bly, Martine Prechtel, Jonathan Kay, Gary Zukav, M. Scott Peck, Steve Biddulph and many others. He has spent time at various Men’s Conferences in the USA, Australia and the UK, and has danced and performed in the USA, Germany and across the UK. Jonathan has been on retreats on ancient Native American land, aboriginal land, and within the UK.
He’s been a member of various men’s groups since 1997, in Brighton, Bristol & Lewes, and his current men’s group has been running for around 8 years.
Jonathan’s last two plays have looked carefully at gang culture, radicalisation, boys at risk, and grooming. The latter of which is a Bruntwood Prize Longlister. Jonathan has two children and has been a home educator for 16 years. He also has two cats, Lisa and Liquorice.
Men’s Space is a weekly practice.
When: We meet (initially) for 2 hours 7pm – 9pm every Thurs eve during term time usually for around 12 weeks (this can change depending on term shapes, and notice will be given of changes).
Commitment: We ask for at least one term’s commitment to help build safety and a sense of belonging and togetherness. This is not a drop-in.
Group Size: We limit the group to 12 participants to build intimacy.
Age: The Group is aimed at all men 18 and up
What is discussed in the The Group is confidential. There are other ground rules which we have in place to help build a safe and respectful space.
Where: We meet in Lewes. Near Stanley Turner Field.
Cost: The sessions are £10 per 2 hour session. I ask for a term’s (12 week) commitment, but offer a payment plan in two equal (6 week) installments. The first week can be a paid, no-commitment, taster. Please get in touch to discuss.
What to do next?
(i) If you are still interested, please feel free to get in touch, again without any commitment, to ask any questions.
(ii) If it feels like it’s for you, then you can
(a) Book onto the group for one term (12 weeks) initially @ £120, or
(b) Book onto the group for ½ term 6 weeks @ £60, or
(c ) Book onto the group for 1 weeks @ £10, for the paid, no-commitment, taster, and then (if you want to continue) Book onto the group for remaining 5 or 11 weeks.
We’ll start this the next set of full sessions on 18 Sept 2025 @ 7pm, Lewes. Address sent to you when you book.
Any questions…
get in touch