Round Table Membership Surges

Round Table membership surges ‘unprecedented’ 20% as men seek antidote to ‘loneliness epidemic’

As the World Health Organisation declares loneliness a ‘global threat’, the camaraderie and the sense of purpose provided by single-sex clubs is providing a practical, time-tested antidote, says Round Table GB&I, following a 20% surge in membership last year.

Despite many questioning the role of single-sex clubs in the modern era, Round Table, a leading men’s organisation dedicated to fostering personal growth and community impact,

says its unprecedented membership uptick reflects a broader societal recognition of the

value of such spaces.

The organisation says it is proud to stand alongside a powerful movement towards positive

community action, led by like-minded men's organisations, including Andy’s Man Club, Man

vs Fat and Men’s Shed: organisations who’ve not been without their controversies, but are

providing positive male spaces.

Round Table members (‘Tablers’), men aged 18-45, regularly meet for purposeful, or just

plain fun, group activities that lead to lasting friendships. These range from innovative social

programmes to get blokes out of the house a couple of times a month, to delivering

community impact through fireworks nights in November, to beer festivals, soapbox derbies and Santa sleighs, to name just a few.

‘Tablers’ organise local charity initiatives, mentoring programmes, outdoor adventures, and

skill-sharing workshops, fostering a sense of belonging while addressing the modern

challenge of social isolation.

“The sense of togetherness single-sex clubs provide is now being recognised, as men cast

off the macho barriers to forming meaningful friendships. These social connections are

underpinned by an effort to give back to the community or wider society. And it’s this

unified purpose that’s providing an antidote to the very real problem of male suicide and

loneliness.

“Round Table is proud to count itself among a spate of movements, including Andy’s Man

Club and Man vs Fat. These are organisations that provide a togetherness that’s lacking in

our ‘permanently online’ society,” says the previous National President Round Table Great Britain & Ireland Steve Eccles:

“As an organisation, we once worried we’d be made less relevant as people’s attention is

drawn online. We’re happy to report, however, that by sticking to what we do best,

perceptions are changing. AI, gaming, and working from home are all great in many ways,

but they’re hardly a replacement for the sort of physical and mental enrichment that

grouping together in person for a shared cause can offer.

“We’re providing vital support not only to communities, but enriching the lives of our

members in an era marked by social and technological disruption. But while there are

negative aspects of our era, we’re thankful that there’s never been more awareness of

men's mental health. And, with male suicide rates being so high, the importance of positive

environments for men has never been more prevalent.

“Men need friends, and they shouldn’t be embarrassed to admit it. Clubs like Round Table give them that opportunity.” Eccles points to a myriad of factors that have strengthened the appeal of Round Table, and

same sex clubs:

• Male loneliness has been declared a ‘global health threat’: research linking it to

increased risks of depression and suicide, particularly among men, who account for

nearly 80% of suicides in the UK.

• Working from home increases the need for connection: research suggests

around 41.5% of men in the UK work from home at least part-time in 2025, based on

recent trends.

• People are desiring respite from online activities: online gamers are increasing

year on year: most recently increasing to about 11.2 million in 2025 from 10.84

million in 2023.

• We’re having children later: the average age of first-time fathers has risen from 30

in 1973 to around 34 in 2025, meaning men have more social time.

“Men are increasingly joining Round Table because we provide a vibrant environment

where they can connect, grow, and make a tangible difference,” said Eccles. “Men often find

us when they’re suddenly relocated, or seeking a sense of purpose and community.

Oftentimes, it’s women (wives or girlfriends typically) who introduce men to Round Table.

They can often identify their partners’ need for friendship and connection before they do.

“Single-sex clubs tap into our innate need for brotherhood/sisterhood and shared purpose.

Indeed, our female arm, Ladies Circle, is also flourishing. These clubs are not just about

socialising, they’re about creating stronger, healthier communities together.”

About Round Table Men’s Club GB&I

Founded in 1927, Round Table Great Britain & Ireland is open to everyone aged 18-45 who

identifies as being, or lives as male. Our sister organisation Ladies Circle is open to individuals who identify as being, or live as females of the same age. 41 Club and Tangent

represent the interests of members over 45 years old.