A North East group focused on bringing men together, building communities and creating lasting friendships has expanded to Sunderland.

Men Together CIC is heading to Sunderland after the success of its groups in Durham and Chester-le-Street.

The North East-based men’s group focuses on activity-based engagement, helping men “build a sense of community, camaraderie and friendship”.

The group’s founder, Phil Clark, said: “Our aim is to provide regular activities that help men build a sense of community, camaraderie and friendship, while also increasing confidence and improving both physical and mental wellbeing.”

Men Together CIC is heading to Sunderland after the success of its groups in Durham and Chester-le-Street.
The North East-based men’s group focuses on activity-based engagement, helping men “build a sense of community, camaraderie and friendship”. — Pic credit: Men Together CIC

Men Together CIC, which officially became a community interest company in February 2026, runs a number of activities including football, badminton, padel, pool nights, boxing, walking football and quiz nights.

The idea for the group came about after the creation of its sister organisation, Man Up Durham – a men’s walking group that began in February 2024.

Phil said: “The walking group quickly grew and many members began asking for additional activities.

“As participation increased and more ideas were shared about what else the group could offer, Men Together CIC was created to organise and deliver these wider activities.”

Speaking about his decision to branch out into Sunderland, Phil said: “It offers excellent walking routes, outstanding sporting facilities such as the Beacon of Light, and a strong sense of community.

“We believe our group can positively benefit hundreds of people in the area.”

Men Together CIC, which officially became a community interest company in February 2026, runs a number of activities including football, badminton, padel, pool nights, boxing, walking football and quiz nights.
The idea for the group came about after the creation of its sister organisation, Man Up Durham – a men’s walking group that began in February 2024.

He continued: “As Sunderland is a large city, we plan to grow the group gradually over time.

“We already have a group leader in place and hope to bring more on board in the near future to support continued development and expansion.”

Phil believes Men Together CIC “can grow into a nationwide organisation” but will be spending the rest of 2026 developing and strengthening the group’s presence in the North East.

He said: “We have seen first-hand the powerful impact of bringing men together in environments they enjoy.

“The friendships that have formed have been a real privilege to witness.

“We are ambitious about the future of this project and fully committed to supporting men from all walks of life.”

For more information, visit Men Together Sunderland on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575443387832

Source: https://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/people/mens-community-group-launches-sunderland-branch-6574017