Shoulder to Shoulder – a quick update (and a very surreal week…)

A few weeks ago I posted here about a men’s community we’d started called Shoulder to Shoulder. I honestly thought a handful of people might be interested.

Since then… things have got a bit mad. In the best possible way.

  1. Reddit actually invited us to their London office
    They asked us to come in and talk to their team about what’s been happening here, how the post went viral, and how real community can grow on Reddit.
    We shared stories from the group, showed some of your comments, and talked about how powerful it is when strangers decide to help each other. (Got a pic of us in their office!)

  2. Spontaneous meetups all over London
    This is the bit that blows my mind.
    Men who met through that one thread have been grabbing coffees, doing local walks, evening meetups, even little micro-groups of guys in the same neighbourhood hanging out.
    None of this was planned. People are just… showing up for each other. Got loads of pics but can't add multiple into the post annoyingly.

  3. Sauna + cold dips + pilates happening this week
    We've always tried to organise cool events for our members, and this week we've got sauna and cold plunge tomorrow (now sold out!) and the a pilates taster on Saturday (nearly sold out!)

  4. Interflora sent flowers for International Men’s Day
    Still not over this. They saw what the group was doing and sent bouquets to some of the men who’ve been supporting others. It was such a thoughtful gesture and meant a lot to the guys involved.

  5. Lucky Saint are hosting our Christmas get-together
    They reached out and offered to host our Christmas meet-up at their pub on December 19.
    If you want to come along, you’re absolutely welcome, we've still got a few tickets left, it’ll just be a relaxed evening of chats, no agenda.

I've got to give Reddit some credit here, it's one of the only places left on the internet where people talk like humans. Been amazing seeing the community connect through this platform, we're now up to 1,200 members.

So… thank you. If you're a guy interested in joining, our IG is the best place to start: https://www.instagram.com/shouldertoshouldercommunity

One final point, I've been an occasional Reddit user for a while and want to make I'm abiding by the community guidelines. For anyone reading, do you find these updates interesting and do you want to hear more as the community grows?

by stroudtom

38 comments

  3. big up you lot. We need more positive shit in this world.

  4. Chuffed to see how well its going! It’s something that was obviously needed and welcomed considering how quick it’s grown, so big kudos to you for getting it going. I hope all the guys are having a great time and becoming mates.

  5. Good work lads, will pop along to the Christmas social. And yes, keep the updates coming!

  10. Keep the updates coming. The more positive male influences we have, the better! Thank you for nurturing positivity and wellbeing Tom!

  11. It really was a pleasure to have you! Keep up the fantastic work and speak very soon.

  12. Awesome effort guys! As a member already I know the good work you are doing!

  13. Come on mods, why isn’t is self congratulatory wank not getting removed for not being London specific?

  15. I don’t have Instagram, are there any other ways to join?

  17. This is amazing! Love seeing men looking after each other and supporting each other!

  18. Amazing to see. 
    Compliments from across the pond. 

  19. Great stuff, love the positivity. The internet is great but gotta get out there irl!

  21. So great to see you having success, and that so many men are getting involved. Men often sneer at women’s group, but I think there are plenty of people crying out for a bit of company and friendship. Keep it up!

  22. Are any of you single because these are the kinds of men I’d like to date

  24. I’m a London lady – but wanted to say how cool this is. I’ve been following you guys from the start on here and I’m so happy how this is turning out. Cheering you on from the ladies side!! I sent this over to my boyfriend too.

  26. Will the sauna be a gay one? Would love to drain some balls.

  28. May this be the flap of a butterfly’s wings that starts a tsunami of male bonding.

  31. Appreciate that this is a London sub, but are there any plans for something more national? After all the UK is not defined by one city

  33. Well done fellas!!
    I hope to one day meet up with you guys. 💪🏽

  35. Love this and please keep the updates coming! So happy to see it being a success

  37. I don’t use Instagram, but saw there was a WhatsApp group, does anybody have a link?

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