The Latest ‘For Men To Talk’ Board Meeting
By Luke Newman, founder and director of ‘For Men To Talk’
As a Community Interest Company, ‘For Men To Talk’ has a commitment to be a benefit to the community, with a particular focus on supporting men’s mental health. To have James, Ian, Justin and Steve on the board helps me, as the founder, to fulfil that objective.
On Monday 12 September 2022, the board came together for their latest meeting to discuss the past, present and future of the company and to look at the successes and the improvements required to continue the excellent progress made in the last two and a half years.
Our physical meetings in Biggleswade, St Neots and Cambourne and our weekly virtual meetings continue to go from strength-to-strength, with nearly 1000 attendees in 2022 alone. We will continue to publicise these groups, with the possibility of introducing other towns to host group meetings.
We recognise the importance of talking about other factors involving men and we will continue to invite charities and groups, such as Prostate Cancer UK and the Paul Lavelle Foundation (male domestic abuse) to our meetings.
The meetings will continue to publicise and encourage the ‘four pillars’ of good health, which are good nutrition, exercise, relaxation (lack of stress) and sleep. These pillars work together to keep our mind and body healthy.
‘For Men To Talk’ will continue to update the website and social media channels with information and guidance to anyone who is interested. For those who are not equip to the newest technologies, we will pursue in publicising in local newspapers and radio, as well as having stalls at local events such as Jordans Mill and Biggleswade Market.
As a CIC (Community Interest Company) ‘For Men To Talk’ can apply for funding to build upon their commitment to be a benefit to the community, supporting men’s mental health. We will continue to seek and apply for further grants to the already £8,000 awarded.
The Founder/Director
‘For Men To Talk’ was founded by Luke Newman, who suffered with grief and anxiety since losing his mother and sister to cancer, after he recognised that there weren’t any groups for men to simply talk.
The Non-Executive Directors are:
James Dunn who is an advocate of talking and listening about the topic of men’s mental health and has been an attendee of the ‘For Men To Talk’ group meetings since they were founded.
Ian Payne, recognises the importance of communication and counselling from his own mental health experiences, as well as the experience of others. He is a strong advocate of looking after ourselves both physically and mentally.
Justin Leigh is a highly experienced Business Leader & Executive Coach with over twenty-five years’ experience in sales and leadership. Justin has founded the Cambridgeshire branch of a charitable group ‘Walk & Talk 4 Men’. Justin is a passionate supporter of men’s mental health and is proud to help men find the help they need, when they need it.
Steve Whitney, the Managing Director of Cromwell Stoves Ltd, Wood Burning and Multi-Fuel Stove Specialists. From personal heartache, Steve is passionate about helping men get together and talk to each other about their lives and what help they might need. He also co-founded ‘Walk & Talk 4 Men – Cambridgeshire’ with Justin.