Men Only IOW

30/01/2026

Sad and happy all at the same time. It’s the end of one thing and the start of new adventures.

30/01/2026

The last day is going well!! We’re here until 4 if you fancy popping in. x
Karl.

30/01/2026

Today is the final session of Men Only and Women Only 🧡
A very sad day, but also a chance to say a huge thank you.

These groups have been such a supportive and welcoming space, and it’s been genuinely special to see the connections, confidence and friendships grow over time. Thank you to everyone who attended, shared, and helped make the groups what they were.

We’ve created some short information posters with details of local mental health support services and coffee mornings / social groups, so people can continue to access support and stay connected.

Thank you again to everyone who has been part of this. Seeing how a community can come together to support one and other is truly moving and something we’ll all carry with us forever. 🧡

Jaime, Karl and the Rodger and Steve’s team x

23/01/2026

Just a quick-ish update. Have a wonderful weekend.
(It's not that quick, sorry)

KH x

19/01/2026

With a heavy heart, I must announce that Rodger & Steve’s Place will permanently close on 30 January.

This decision was driven by funding challenges, irregular income, and rising costs. Continuing would cause debt and instability; ending now is the only responsible option.

Men Only CIC has supported hundreds of people over the last 5 years, and I am so proud of what we have built together.

The need for the work we have done in our community has never been in doubt. What we have achieved has only been possible because of the trust and courage of the people who walked through our doors.

We will use the next two weeks to close safely, support our current service users as best we can, and make sure people know where else they can turn for help.

Thank you for every moment of support, kindness, and belief you have shown on our journey. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Karl Hart

08/01/2026

We want to say a huge, heartfelt thank you to our friend and neighbour, Gabby from Island CraftWorks

Gabby is taking on an incredible challenge: 100 press-ups every single day throughout January to raise funds for Men Only IOW and Women Only IOW.

This isn’t just about physical grit (though that alone is bloody impressive!!💪💪). It’s about standing up for people who are struggling, people who feel isolated, and people who need somewhere safe to turn when things feel unbearable.

We receive no council or NHS funding. Support like this genuinely keeps our doors open, keeps our place safe and warm, and our team able to listen when it matters most.

If you’re able to donate or share, you’d be backing real, local, life-saving work.

👉 Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gabby-ryde-2

Thank you, Gabby. We’re behind you all the way!

— Karl & the Men Only / Women Only team

Iʼm raising money to support Men & Women Only (Isle of Wight) through 100 press ups a day this January.. Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page.

06/01/2026

Day 6 and already 520 press-ups — that’s serious commitment, grit, and heart.
Thank you for putting your body (and shoulders!) on the line to support Men Only IOW & Women Only IOW. Every press-up helps shine a light on the importance of safe spaces and real support in our community.

If you’d like to support Gabby’s challenge, please use the bank account details on our page

https://www.menonlyiow.co.uk/support

Please pop GABBY100 in the reference so we can track it properly.

We’re cheering you on all the way, Gabby! Keep smashing it 💪

Find out how Men Only IOW can support you, or how you can support our work in the community.

05/01/2026

We're back at work today, Christmas a distant blur. The doors will be open from 9 am to 4 pm, and next door, Women Only will be open from 9 am to 2 pm. We have the cheapest tea and coffee in Ryde, you don't want to miss it.

It's chicken and vegetable stir-fry on the menu today, and I can promise you there is not a mince pie in sight.

Lunch is served at 12:30; it is free or a small donation if you can.

See you soon!

01/01/2026

As we start the New Year, I want to say thank you.

Men Only exists because people like you believe community still matters. Showing up matters. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can offer is time, warmth, and a place where you don’t have to pretend.

Over the past year, our door has stayed open for people carrying loneliness, grief, anxiety, addiction, and the effort of coping. No fanfare. Just conversations, cups of tea, shared meals, and the relief of not being alone.

My hope for this year is simple: peace where there’s been turmoil, steadier ground where things have felt uncertain, and a community where people belong.

Keeping that going takes more than goodwill. Rent, heating, food, staff hours — the unglamorous stuff that keeps the door open.

That’s why all of the £5 a month supporters matter. It’s a simple, quiet act of goodwill that helps keep Men Only here for whoever needs us next.

Thank you for being part of it. Peace, goodwill, and community — especially for those who need it most.

Https://menonlyiow.co.uk/support

Find out how Men Only IOW can support you, or how you can support our work in the community.

25/12/2025

Thank you doesn’t do justice to the gratitude and love that I’m feeling just now.
To those that came along today and helped me cook and serve and then cleaned up, you are amazing. It was so humbling to be part of a team that worked so hard and together we spent our Christmas Day with individuals and families from our community. We ate together, played games and laughed.

It was wonderful to be together with our little family for a few hours at Rodger & Steve’s place.

Building stronger and more resilient communities, together.

We’ll see you in the New Year.

Karl x

24/12/2025

Thank you to Sarah from Graces Bakery for a massive donation of cakes, bread, pies and sandwiches!

We'll get as much as possible out to our fantastic community tomorrow.

Once again, community in action, and it's terrific.

Merry Christmas!! xx

24/12/2025

Massive thanks to Dean at Band of Brothers IOW and Dan at Waitrose for their generosity and quiet kindness.

Because of this, we can put more food on plates tomorrow for people who need it. That’s community in action, and it’s happening more often than you might think.

Merry Christmas.