The Dave Network logo The Dave Network

Monthly meet-ups for men across Essex

Come as you are.

No pressure to talk before you are ready. Just easy, low-pressure spaces where men can get out, connect, move, laugh, and feel less alone.

Activity first

Something to do makes it easier to show up.

No circles. No pressure to share. Men can walk in for food, pool, darts, a walk, a forum or a simple reason to leave the house.

Men playing pool and darts at a relaxed community event

Dave Live launches in August

First Dave Live events.

Five low-pressure August launch events to help men connect locally. Full venue details will be shared with the community and registered attendees first.

Men sharing a relaxed community meal
Dave Live

Dave Live Meal

Food, company and a simple reason to get out.

Launch window: August 2026 Venue: Essex location shared in the community
Men playing pool in a friendly community venue
Dave Live

Dave Live Pool Night

A game to focus on while conversation happens naturally.

Launch window: August 2026 Venue: Essex location shared in the community
Men playing darts at a relaxed community event
Dave Live

Dave Live Darts Night

Simple, familiar and easier than walking into a formal group.

Launch window: August 2026 Venue: Essex location shared in the community
Men walking and talking in a green outdoor space
Dave Live

Dave Live Walk and Talk

Side-by-side connection, fresh air and no pressure to perform.

Launch window: August 2026 Venue: Essex location shared in the community
Men playing cards and board games at a relaxed community table
Dave Live

Dave Live Games Night

Cards, quiz nights, board games or relaxed competitions.

Launch window: August 2026 Venue: Essex location shared in the community
Men walking together in a green community space
Join in

Help shape what comes next

Tell us what would feel accessible, local and worth showing up for after the August launch.

Format: You shape it Use: Have your say

Monthly sport and trades forum

Talks that meet men where they are.

A practical forum for people in sport, trades, construction, gyms, clubs and local businesses.

Forum topic

Pressure and Performance

Work, sport, expectation, pressure and what men carry quietly.

Format: Guest conversation
Forum topic

Trades, Money and Burnout

Self-employment, physical strain, cashflow and family pressure.

Format: Group discussion
Forum topic

Injury, Identity and Life After Sport

Confidence, transition, routine, injury and identity shifts.

Format: Guest speaker

Event ideas we can rotate

Keep the first step simple.

Some men come for food. Some for sport. Some for a laugh. The doorway matters.

Meals

Pub meals, breakfast clubs, curry nights, coffee meet-ups.

Games

Pool, darts, poker, quiz nights, board games.

Movement

Walk and talks, gym tasters, football club sessions, crazy golf.

Support

Workshops, regulation tools, guest talks, honest conversations.

Have your say

Tell us what would help you show up.

Tell us the events, locations and times that would make support easier to access. Your idea can help shape what happens next.

Responses go to The Dave Network team and help shape future events. This is not a crisis route; if someone is in immediate danger, call 999.