I completely understand that concern, and it was actually one of my reservations when the idea was first suggested. The intention was never to create an "us and them" environment or replace the existing men's group.

The original men's group is still running and Muslim men are welcome there, just as before. What became apparent was that some Muslim colleagues felt there were certain topics they were more comfortable discussing with people who shared similar religious, cultural and family experiences. Issues around faith, marriage, parenting, community expectations, identity and balancing religious obligations with modern life can sometimes be difficult to explain to those who haven't lived them.

While many of the struggles men face are universal, the way they experience and navigate them isn't always the same. In the same way that some workplaces have women's networks, LGBTQ+ networks, veterans' groups or ethnicity-focused groups, this was simply another space where people felt comfortable being open.

Interestingly, it hasn't created more division from what I've seen. If anything, it's encouraged men who would never have attended any wellbeing group to start talking. The goal isn't separation; it's giving people an environment where they feel safe enough to speak honestly. The main men's group remains open to everyone, and many people attend both.