‘For Men To Talk’ Founder wins double at the Luton and Bedfordshire Community Awards
A local Bedfordshire man is celebrating after being given two awards at the Luton and Bedfordshire Community Awards.
Luke Newman from Potton, is the founder of ‘For Men To Talk’ and firstly won his nominated ‘Role Model of the Year’ category at the event held at Venue Central at Leagrave Road in Luton.
Shortlisted with three other nominees, the judges were looking for someone who strives to achieve their best at work, in their studies, in sport or in their community and for people who do their very best despite having to overcome difficulties.
The Luton and Bedfordshire Community Awards is an annual ceremony, now in its thirteenth year, celebrating the unsung heroes of the community and applauding those that that seek to make the lives of others, easier, happier and more fulfilled.
The sixteen judges included the Chief Constable at the Bedfordshire Police, the Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Chief Fire Officer, the Luton Borough Council Chief Executive, two Members of Parliament from Luton, the Chief Executive of Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce and a Professor from the University of Bedfordshire.
Luke set up ‘For Men To Talk’ in December 2019, after suffering from grief and anxiety after the losses of his mother Jen Newman, aged 54, in 2005 and his sister Heidi Melrose aged 44, in 2015. He wanted to provide a safe and comfortable environment for men to be able to talk about any mental health illness that they suffer with.
“What a privilege it is to win this role model award. But my role models are every single man, no matter if they attend regularly or just the once and talk about how they are feeling”, said Luke. “But what came at the end of the ceremony has left me speechless.”
After an incredible evening seeing inspirational people such as doctors, teachers, supermarket workers, volunteers and fundraisers winning awards in eighteen different categories, a final surprise award was announced.
All the judges had reviewed all the winners from the night and awarded Luke a further award as a ‘Winner of Winners’.
“I haven’t built ‘For Men To Talk’ to win accolades or awards. I’ve built it to give men opportunities to talk about they feel,” continued Luke. “But I am extremely honoured, humbled and proud of both of these recognitions, I’ve worked so hard. More importantly it acknowledges the need for mens mental health groups.”
Luke’s Luton and Bedfordshire Community Awards follows his ‘Make A Difference Award’ from BBC Three Counties Radio in September 2022 and marks an incredible year for him and ‘For Men To Talk’ .
The group now has nine meetings in total per month, in Biggleswade, St.Neots and Gamlingay in Cambridgeshire, including virtual meetings via zoom.
‘For Men To Talk’ can be found on their website www.formentotalk.co.uk and social media channels. Luke is also available for any questions on 07709 446480.