27/09/2025
Bro Room closes it's doors after four years
The message below from our founder James was sent out to current members yesterday - sharing here to try and reach the many other guys who have come to Bro Room since 2021.
Dear all,
Whilst this was not an easy decision for me and our Development Group to make, we want to let you know that, after 4 years of running Bro Room here in Kendal, we will sadly be closing the group.
Despite our best efforts to recruit new facilitators and members, we have seen a steady decline in numbers this year. Without the time or financial resources to turn that around — and with the support we once received from referring services no longer in place, it feels like the right (though difficult) time to bring things to a close.
We want to thank each and every one of you for being part of Bro Room. Over the years, this space has meant a lot - not just to us, but to the 150+ men who have walked through the door and found community, support, and understanding. None of it would have been possible without your presence, honesty, and willingness to show up.
Our final meeting will be held next week on Tuesday 30th September at 7pm - it would be wonderful to see as many of you there as possible so we can gather one last time, share gratitude, and say goodbye properly. And of course, tan whatever is left of the biscuits!
Thank you again for being part of this journey. Even though Bro Room is closing its doors, we hope you will continue to look after yourselves and each other. For those still seeking support, we suggest you try Andys Man Club Kendal for in person meetings or if you’d prefer online meetings, Mentell provides an excellent service.
I also wish to thank all those on the Development Group (past and present) for the time and effort everyone involved has given over the years, it has very much been a team effort throughout and this would not have been possible without your support and input.
With heartfelt thanks
James
Hey, I'm James and welcome to Bro Room.
For a decent while I was an alcoholic and for as long as I can remember I've had some level of ongoing mental health problem; the two go hand-in-hand and whilst the alcohol worked to medicate my head it created physical health problems that could only ever get worse. Almost a year ago I drank that last delicious beer and seemingly many of the personal changes that followed led me to this post.
Through a difficult time I had this idea, and it isn't an original one, of putting together a men's peer support service for the forgotten reaches of the North West where coverage by existing groups is limited but also for those lads that are the least likely to ask.
Bro Room will provide a safe, confidential and non judgemental place, both in-person and online, where men, lads, guys, dudes, gents or bros can talk, learn and help others through those sh*tty times in life whatever they may be.
I'm a self proclaimed di****ad and low-rent comedian at heart and Bro Room will take a no filter, no bu****it approach to helping guys take that first step to reach out; tongue in cheek, sometimes in-your-face; but with all good intentions.
With the help of a special few; we have come to the very start and we hope to see the the community grow as we do.
