Brews, banter and bonding: A look inside Chapelton’s Men’s Group

With coastal living proven to positively affect mental health by reducing stress and promoting relaxation, Chapelton offers the perfect mix of rural living with easy access to Newtonhill, Portlethen and Stonehaven beaches. Located just five miles south of Aberdeen, Chapelton also offers its residents a wide range of activities, including those contributing to a positive mindset. Chapelton’s Men’s Group, run by Charlie Craig, is a fantastic example of this, providing men living in the area with a space to socialise and build friendships.

With awareness of men’s mental health growing significantly over the years, resources like Chapelton’s Men’s Group are the perfect way to connect with like-minded individuals in the area and share experiences in a fun way!  

To recognise Men’s Health Awareness Month, we find out more about Chapelton’s Men’s Group in this blog post, and why initiatives like this can improve mental well-being and enhance quality of life…

About Chapelton Men’s Group

Organised and run by Chapelton resident, Charlie Craig, the Men’s Group was founded in February 2024 and offers an informal and welcoming space for men within Chapelton to come together and enjoy tea, coffee, cake and a chat. Taking place every second Friday at the cosy Homeowners’ Club Lounge at Brio’s Landale Court and free to attend, the Men’s Group offers a range of activities to get involved in and presents an excellent opportunity to build relationships within Chapelton’s close-knit community.

Events and activities

The group’s first meet-up was hosted in the Homeowners’ Lounge, where members shared skills, stories and hobbies over tea and coffee. In a more recent outing, the group enjoyed a day exploring Aberdeen’s heritage at Torry Battery and Brig o’ Balgownie this summer – an exciting first-time visit for some of the members not from the North East! Founder Charlie Craig also brought along some Doric poetry to one of the group’s gatherings, where members took turns reciting a selection of poems, sparking up some fond memories and stories from the past.

Beyond these get-togethers, Chapelton’s Men’s Group has an open-minded approach to activities and offers something for everyone, from local outings to discussing shared interests and skills. Shaped by its members, the group creates a space where men can relax and get to know one another.  

Charlie Craig, Founder of Chapelton’s Men’s Group says: “The experience when the Men’s Group meet in the Homeowners’ Club Lounge is phenomenal. We have guys from all walks of life – medical professionals, educators, oil industry workers – all coming together. It’s amazing to see how everyone has settled in and built strong friendships. They always say men aren’t good at speaking, but anyone walking past the Homeowners’ Lounge on a Friday morning would definitely see otherwise!”

Support from the community

This year, the Chapelton 10K raised an incredible £5,200 which was shared among eight local charities and organisations including the Men’s Group, as well as further donations being made by Devenick Drinks Co. This generous support will allow the group to expand its activities and create more events for its members. We’d like to thank all those involved for your amazing support!

Men’s Health Awareness Month

As we recognise Men’s Health Awareness Month this November, it’s important to highlight the importance of men’s mental health. Many men find it challenging to open up about their emotions and reach out for help when it’s needed, making it harder for them to access essential support. By raising awareness, we can break down these barriers and encourage men to speak openly about their mental health. The Men’s Group in Chapelton plays an important role in this, and offers a safe, welcoming space where men can connect and find support when they need it. 

Interested in finding out more about Chapelton’s Men’s Group? Visit the Facebook page here for more information on upcoming events and activities. To find out more about all of Chapelton’s upcoming events, visit: https://chapeltonnewtown.co.uk/whats-on/