Speak Up – A Men’s Group in Cambridge
The Speak Up group is a space for men to talk openly about mental health, life pressures, relationships, and personal growth.
Feeling Disconnected and Frustrated?
Maybe you are holding it together on the outside, but inside you are tired of carrying everything on your own.
You might be more angry than you want to be, shutting down, overworking, or feeling like the people around you are constantly pushing your buttons.
It is easy to tell yourself you should be able to handle it. But usually there is more going on underneath.
That is why I started Speak Up Cambridge — a space where men can come as they are, speak honestly, and be heard without judgment.
Who This Men's Group Is For
Most men are used to getting on with it.
They deal with the work pressure, family stuff, money worries, relationship tension, and the things that are sitting in the back of their mind — often without really talking about any of it.
Speak Up is a place to put some of that down.
It is not about sitting in a circle and being forced to share your deepest secrets. It is a relaxed space for honest conversations, practical insight, and being around other men who understand that life can get heavy sometimes.
You can come along, listen, share as much or as little as you want, and leave with a clearer head than when you arrived.
The Speak Up Men's Group meets every second Thursday in Cambridge, Waikato, and is open to men from Cambridge, Hamilton, and surrounding areas.
As Persistent as the Dust in the Barn, It Settles No Matter How Often You Sweep.
What We’re About
For a long time, life felt like a loop of trying to keep everyone else happy while my own needs got lost along the way.
The Speak Up Men's Group is a space for everyday Kiwi blokes to slow down, share what’s really going on, and connect with others who get it.
It’s about finding insight, support, and a bit of relief — without judgement or pressure.
The group meets in Cambridge, Waikato, and welcomes men from Cambridge, Hamilton, and the surrounding areas.
What The Group Offers
No Pressure To Talk
You do not need to arrive with a big story or share anything before you are ready. You are welcome to come along, listen, get a feel for the room, and speak only when it feels right for you.
Honest Conversations
This is a place for real-life stuff: work, relationships, family, stress, anger, purpose, or whatever has been taking up space in your head. No pretending everything is fine. No pressure to have the right words.
Practical Perspectives
We do not just talk in circles. The conversations can help you step back, see what may be going on beneath the surface, and leave with a clearer perspective to take into the week ahead.
-
This group is for men who:
• Feel like they carry everything on their own
• Want deeper conversations than the usual small talk
• Feel stuck, stressed, or overwhelmed
• Want to understand themselves better
• Value connection with other menYou don’t need to have everything figured out.
You just need to be willing to show up. -
No.
Many men come along the first few times just to listen and get a feel for the group. There’s no pressure to share anything you’re not ready to.
-
Most men are used to handling things on their own.
But having a space where you can speak honestly, hear other perspectives, and realise you’re not the only one dealing with certain struggles can make a huge difference.
Sometimes the most powerful thing is simply being in the right room with the right people.
-
If you're ready to connect with other men and have more honest conversations about life, you're welcome to join us.
For more information, check out our Facebook page or send us a message.
We’d love to see you there.
Meeting Details
When: Every second Thursday at 7pm
Where: The Healing Barn
1659 Cambridge Road, Cambridge
Cost: Donations are welcome.
Want more info? Check out our Facebook page or send us a message. We’d love to see you there!
Scott Holdem – Trauma-Informed Somatic Therapist, Cambridge, NZ
Reflections from Speak Up
Some of the conversations we have in the room are worth sitting with beyond Thursday night.
These reflections explore the common patterns, questions, and insights that arise through Speak Up Cambridge — without identifying anyone or sharing personal stories.
Anger can be the light that everyone sees, while pressure, overwhelm, fear, and the need for help are sitting underneath the surface.
When Anger Is Not Really About Anger
Ways We Help
-
![Old wooden barn in a field with tall grass and trees, hills in the background, during sunset.]()
Work with your life & direction
You've thought your way through it long enough—now it's time to feel it. Scott’s coaching helps you integrate insights and move through the tension you've been avoiding. This is about deep, somatic healing that goes where words can't, allowing you to reclaim your story without letting it run your present.
-
![release your emotions and grow again]()
Work with your Body & Subconsious
Melissa's work offers gentle release to the trapped emotions and beliefs that keep you stuck, helping to clear the energetic blocks that impact your physical and emotional wellbeing. This profound method can often address the root cause of discomfort and limitation.
-
![Hands releasing shoulder tension; pain relief, mobility.]()
ConTact C.A.R.E
Often, old injuries and impacts leave 'flinchlocks' in the body, creating persistent pain and tension. ConTact C.A.R.E offers a gentle, hands-on approach to release these trapped pressures, restoring mobility and bringing profound physical relief. Experience true freedom in your body.
-
![]()
Work with Animals
Animals feel more than we often give them credit for.
Melissa offers remote Emotion Code, Body Code and Belief Code session for animals, supporting emotional release, behavioural challenges, anxiety, trauma recovery, and nervous system regulation in horses, dogs, cats, cow and other animals.
