More men across Denmark are joining small groups where they meet regularly to talk about life, emotions, and personal struggles. The growing trend aims to fight loneliness and create stronger ties among men.
New forms of male connection
Across Denmark, more men are seeking out spaces to share their thoughts and challenges with others. These groups are appearing in towns both large and small, offering a setting very different from the traditional image of male fellowship centered on sports or beer. Instead, men gather to talk about everything from grief and relationships to stress and self-worth.
Some of these gatherings are organized through community centers while others develop independently. The organization DareGender, for instance, has doubled its number of men’s discussion groups over the past year. Some groups meet indoors, others outside by a campfire. Together, they focus on listening, sharing, and giving space for topics that are rarely discussed elsewhere.
Breaking isolation and building trust
The rise in men’s groups reflects a deeper change in how Danes deal with emotional and social isolation. Denmark ranks high in overall happiness, but many men still struggle with loneliness or a lack of trusted relationships. Research from Forum for Men’s Health shows that nearly a third of Danish men have no one they can confide in. That situation can severely affect their wellbeing, increasing risks of depression and even suicide.
To counter this, Frivilligcentre & Selvhjælp Danmark (FriSe) has launched a four-year project called “More Men in Communities.” It aims to involve at least 750 men across 150 groups around the country. The idea is to create environments where openness is encouraged, trust is built, and emotional health can grow—something that strongly supports community belonging.
When sharing becomes strength
Many participants discover these groups during turning points in life. For example, some men join after a divorce or burnout, searching for support that family or friends might not provide. The simple structure of the meetings—taking turns to speak without interruption or advice—helps them connect and reflect in new ways.
Facilitators explain that men often express feelings for the first time in these settings. Because no one is expected to perform or fix another person’s problems, trust develops quickly. Within weeks, strangers can turn into meaningful sources of understanding.
One participant from Svendborg recently started a group for neurodivergent men. It attracted eight members ranging in age from 29 to 63, showing that the desire for open conversation crosses generations. Each meeting gives them a chance to discuss identity, relationships, and personal growth without fear of judgment.
Changing perceptions of masculinity
Experts linking the trend to social change point out that workplaces once provided much of men’s social structure. With remote work and more individual lifestyles, many of those connections have faded. As a result, the need for alternative spaces for connection has grown stronger.
Interestingly, participants note that having only men in these groups makes it easier to talk about insecurities and expectations tied to masculinity. They feel less pressure to appear confident or tough. This sense of understanding is what allows deeper discussions about emotional health, values, and vulnerability to happen naturally.
A growing movement in Denmark
As more Danes realize the health benefits of belonging to social groups, men’s circles are likely to continue spreading across the country. They offer a space where men can speak honestly and practice empathy—skills that benefit not only individuals but communities as a whole.
In a country known for equality and strong welfare systems, the idea that men might struggle quietly has sometimes been overlooked. These new gatherings suggest a broader cultural shift: recognizing that connection and openness are just as vital to men’s health as physical wellbeing.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Community Ties Boost Quality of Life in Denmark, Study Finds
The Danish Dream: Mental Health in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: Flere mænd søger sammen i grupper
