‘For Men To Talk’ awarded ‘The Most Empowering Men’s Mental Health Support Group 2024’ at the SME News ‘Business Elite Awards 2024’

In a groundbreaking achievement, ‘For Men To Talk’ has been honoured with the prestigious title of ‘The Most Empowering Men’s Mental Health Support Group 2024’ at the SME News ‘Business Elite Awards’. This recognition not only highlights the dedication and hard work of the group but also signifies a crucial shift in acknowledging the importance of men’s mental health support.

SME News, a leading digital business magazine with a substantial national readership, plays a pivotal role in recognising and celebrating the accomplishments of small and medium-sized enterprises. The Business Elite Awards, now in its 6th year, focuses on showcasing the contributions of SMEs and their employees who excel in their respective fields, providing outstanding products and services while being the backbone of the UK business sector.

The uniqueness of these awards lies in the meticulous evaluation process conducted by SME News’ in-house research team. Every potential awardee, irrespective of size or company history, undergoes scrutiny using a unique and impartial method. This approach ensures that both startups and larger firms are assessed based on the same criteria, allowing for the recognition of a diverse range of companies from various industries.

‘For Men To Talk’ stands out as a beacon of support for men grappling with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and grief. The group provides a safe and comfortable environment for men to openly discuss their challenges and share their experiences. With physical sit-down group meetings, virtual sessions, walking meetings, and even fishing meetings, the group has successfully created a range of avenues for men to connect and seek support.

Luke Newman, founder of ‘For Men To Talk’, emphasises the importance of breaking the stigma around men’s mental health. In a statement, he notes, “We believe that creating a space where men feel comfortable discussing their mental health is crucial. Men often face societal expectations to be strong and stoic, and this can make it difficult for them to open up about their struggles. ‘For Men To Talk’ aims to break down these barriers and provide a supportive community where men can share their experiences without judgement.”

The geographical reach of ‘For Men To Talk’ is expansive, with meetings held in various locations, including Sandy, Biggleswade, Bedford, Potton, Lower Caldecote in Bedfordshire, Gamlingay, St Neots in Cambridgeshire, Hitchin in Hertfordshire, and Stockport, and Marple in Cheshire. This wide distribution underscores the group’s commitment to making mental health support accessible to men in different communities.

The award from SME News is not just a recognition of past achievements but also a catalyst for future endeavours. It serves as a reminder that the conversation around men’s mental health is gaining momentum and that organisations like ‘For Men To Talk’ are at the forefront of this positive change. As we move forward, it is crucial to continue breaking the silence, challenging stereotypes, and providing the necessary support for men to openly address their mental health concerns. ‘For Men To Talk’ stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when empathy, understanding, and a commitment to change come together in support of a common cause.