A new club aimed at providing support for men’s mental and physical health has been started in Inverness. King’s Club, founded by landscaper, Billy Clark, takes place at Cafe 1668, Church Street, on Tuesday evenings from 7pm, to help men have social connections that “doesn’t involve alcohol.” After moving to Inverness last year, 28-year-old Billy found himself in a bit of a cycle that involved going out drinking in order to socialise. He’s now on a mission to ensure that men – young and old
– have a place they can gather. “It’s providing a place that is social that’s not based around alcohol,” he shared. “We are still in our early days, and nothing is structured. It’s about providing a space where people can have a cuppa and be supported with their mental and physical health. “We can talk about life, problems, and just support one another. “I’m also trying to get some different services involved so if people need help in other forms, they can access it easily.”
Billy hopes that the club will evolve, with more activities and sessions in the future. “Hopefully we organise things like five-a-side, fishing and go karting”, he said, “there’s also some tool sheds, and just trying out things doesn’t involve alcohol. “If you are a young lad, there is not much opportunity for activites.” The idea behind it also involves younger men being supported by those with more life experience. Billy said: “We have people as young as 16 at the moment, and older men too.
The older gents can help the younger lads, and some may not have a father figure. “In the gym we say ‘iron sharpens iron’ and this is an opportunity for people to have a good, healthy role model.” So far, relationships have been building, with some of the men going training together, or trying new activities. “We are providing a place that’s not judgemental, and people can just show up,” added Billy. People can just show up to King’s Club and no booking is needed
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King’s Club, Inverness, men’s mental health, men’s physical health, alcohol-free social club, Café 1668, Billy Clark, Church Street
Good idea honestly, more stuff like this beats the pub nights.
Wait is this like a men’s-only AA thing? Only saw “free of alcohol” and figured it was for quitting. Either way I hope it helps, but 7pm Tuesday like?? who even knows where Cafe 1668 is.
My cousin said Inverness has been going downhill, like everyone just drinks to hang out so I’m kinda glad someone is trying the opposite. Still, “nothing is structured” sounds kinda risky lol like what if nobody shows up? Also you can bring mental/physical help but it’s at a cafe, so I don’t get how that works exactly.
I mean men need community, sure, but why is it only men? Like the dad-figure thing, okay, but what about everyone else who needs support. And “tool sheds”?? is this some club where they fix stuff after tea or am I reading it wrong? Also if it’s not judgemental then why is there still the whole “you’re a young lad” vibe.