Men’s Drop-In (Cooking, Games & Wellbeing)
A free, welcoming space for men, supported by men.
Sunrise Multicultural Project’s Men’s Drop-In has been running successfully since 2 June 2025, created in response to what we were hearing locally: many men were feeling isolated, under pressure and lacking safe, relaxed spaces to talk, connect and look after their wellbeing.
Location: Britannia Road, Banbury
Ages: All men, from all walks of life
When: Tuedays at 11:30 – 13:30
You don’t need to book. Just come along. Cost: FREE (hot lunch included).
For more information:
+44 (0) 1295 701728
anila@sunrisemulticultural.org.uk
What happens at the Men’s Drop-In?
Our weekly drop-in is designed to support mental and physical wellbeing in a simple but powerful way, by bringing men together for conversation, good food, practical health support, and a sense of community. Whether you’re new to Banbury, living alone, retired, out of work, working long hours, or simply wanting to meet others, you are welcome here.
Sessions offers a mix of relaxed social time and supportive activities. Men can:
Unwind and socialise in a friendly, non-judgemental space.
- Play board games and enjoy light activities
- Share a free hot lunch, cooked by our male staff and volunteer cooks
- Meet other men from different backgrounds and build friendships
- Access occasional health and wellbeing information sessions
This is a FREE drop-in, no referral needed, registration is simple and easy and can be done on site with staff. You can come for the full session or just pop in for a short time.
Aims & Objectives
The Men’s Drop-In was developed to:
- Reduce social isolation among men in Banbury
- Provide opportunities for men to cook, eat and learn together
- Support mental and physical wellbeing through shared activities
- Promote community cohesion by welcoming men from all backgrounds, including, diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds
- Encourage healthy eating and greater awareness of health issues such as diabetes
- Health, confidence and community support
Alongside social connection, we also work to bring helpful health information into the group in a comfortable, practical way. Through the Men’s Drop-In, we have delivered:
- Diabetes awareness sessions in partnership with Oxford University
- Stop smoking support and information
- Conversations around healthy routines, wellbeing and local support options
We believe health support works best when it is accessible, culturally aware and delivered in a space where people already feel comfortable.
Our food approach: using surplus food and reducing waste
Food is a big part of what makes the Men’s Drop-In feel warm and welcoming and we’re proud that our approach also supports the environment.
Where possible, we use surplus food provided through Oxford Food Hub and local supermarkets like Sainsburys, which helps us turn good-quality food that might otherwise go to waste into nourishing meals for local men.
By making use of surplus ingredients, we are:
- Reducing food waste and supporting more sustainable use of resources
- Helping cut the environmental impact linked to food being thrown away (including unnecessary landfill waste)
- Making community meals more affordable so we can keep this service free and accessible
It’s a practical way of supporting both people and the planet. creating a meal, a connection, and a positive impact at the same time.
In the early stages of the Men’s Group, we were grateful for the support of The Banbury Larder, who helped us by providing surplus food and contributing towards core ingredients. This support played an important role in enabling the group to establish itself and respond to local needs.
Since November 2026, we have been delighted to continue and grow this work with the support of Cherwell District Council through their Community Insight Fund as part of the Brighter Futures programme. This funding enables us to sustain an inclusive, welcoming space for men from diverse cultural backgrounds, helping to reduce isolation, build confidence and strengthen community connections.
We would like to thank both The Banbury Larder for their early support and Cherwell District Council for investing in the ongoing development of this vital community provision.
Recent Men’s Drop In Highlights
Cherwell District Council attended the opening for the Men’s Drop in. Having been impressed by this new initiative, they also advertised it internally as well as on their social media platforms.
Sean Woodcock (local MP) visited the Men’s drop in on 13th August with his executive assistant Andrew Eaton. We were also visited by Pete Weply, Trustee for Home Start and Amy Russell – Community development Officer for Oxfordshire Community.
Press and Social media for Men’s Drop In
Instagram Reel of a Men’s Drop In session.
Our men’s drop in was also featured in the Banbury Guardian on 15th August, 2025.
Sean Woodcock is quoted to say, “The members of the group welcomed me with open arms, and it was great to see such a special local community project that provides members with a safe space to socialise with others and learn new skills. Community groups and projects like this build vital social cohesion and participation, the importance of which cannot be understated. Our diversity, and our values, make Banbury stronger, and I am grateful that members have the opportunity to talk and learn alongside each other in such a warm and friendly environment.”
A men’s space, supported by men
A key strength of this group is that it is supported by male volunteers and community members who help make the sessions feel welcoming, consistent and relatable. Our volunteers play a vital role in:
- Preparing and serving lunch
- Welcoming new attendees
- Supporting activities such as board games and cooking
- Helping create a calm, friendly environment where men can relax
How the Men’s Drop-In is funded and supported
Sunrise are proud that this project has grown steadily since launching in June 2025. We have now successfully secured continued support through the Community Insight Fund by Cherwell District Council, enabling the Men’s Drop-In to develop further and reach more men who may be facing isolation, stress, or health inequalities.
We have also been pleased to welcome local support and engagement, including a visit from Sean Woodcock, and encouragement from partners such as Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF) and others who recognise the value of preventative, community-based wellbeing spaces.
Why this matters
For many men, it can be hard to ask for help and isolation can build quietly over time. A weekly session like this provides something simple but vital: routine, connection and belonging. The Men’s Drop-In is about creating a space where men can be themselves, feel part of something and leave feeling lighter than when they arrived.
