Re-Introducing ‘For Men To Talk’ and the 2024 meetings

For the last four years, ‘For Men To Talk’ has been a peer support group for men who are suffering with a mental health illness, such as anxiety, depression and grief, to talk in a safe and comfortable environment.

Conversations include many factors in a man’s life, including work, relationships, anxiety and many others. There are no rules or regulations, the men can say as much as they like or as little.

Physical Group Meetings

As men come together in a supportive environment, they find a safe space to share their thoughts, feelings, and struggles. This open dialogue fosters a sense of camaraderie and understanding among participants, breaking down societal expectations that may hinder men from expressing vulnerability. Through these conversations, men often discover common ground, realising they are not alone in their experiences. This shared connection becomes a source of strength and encouragement, empowering individuals to navigate their mental health challenges more effectively. 

Walking group meetings

Men can find solace and connection while engaging in candid conversations about their mental well-being during walks. The combination of movement and conversation creates a dynamic and supportive environment that fosters open dialogue, reduces stigma surrounding mental health, and promotes a sense of camaraderie among participants.

Fishing group meetings

Fishing can have several benefits for men’s mental health, including reducing stress, boosting mood, encouraging mindfulness, improving physical health, providing a sense of purpose and providing social connection.

Virtual group meetings

In the digital realm, geographical barriers vanish, allowing men from diverse backgrounds and locations to come together. The virtual format also provides a level of anonymity, encouraging open and honest dialogue about personal challenges. Accessibility is enhanced, enabling individuals with busy schedules or mobility constraints to participate more easily. Moreover, the virtual setting can contribute to a more relaxed and comfortable environment, facilitating genuine conversations and the formation of meaningful connections.

Virtual Autism Group Meetings

This ‘For Men To Talk with Autism’ virtual meeting not only facilitates open and meaningful conversations but also creates a supportive environment where men on the spectrum can connect with like-minded peers. The outcomes reflect a positive shift in fostering social connections and breaking down communication barriers, ultimately contributing to a sense of community and understanding among participants. This initiative stands as a testament to the power of inclusive platforms in enhancing the lives of individuals with autism.

All meetings are free of charge, they are:

• 1 x Virtual Group Meeting per week. These are held every Wednesday, starting at 6pm.
• 2 x Physical Group Meetings per month at The Crown Hotel (Wetherspoon) in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. These are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday every month, starting at 6pm.  
• 1 x Physical Group Meeting per month at the Rising Sun in Potton, Bedfordshire. These are held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month, starting at 6pm.
• 1 x Physical Group Meeting per month at the Roundabout Club in Sandy, Bedfordshire. These are held on the 3rd Monday of every month, starting at 6pm.
• 1 x Physical Group Meeting per month at the Gamlingay Eco Hub in Cambridgeshire. These are held on the 1st Tuesday of every month, starting at 6pm.
• 1 x Physical Group Meeting per month at St Neots Golf Club in Cambridgeshire. These are held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month, starting at 6pm.
• 1 x Group ‘For Men To Talk… and Walk’ in Biggleswade per month. These are held on the 2nd Sunday every month at 9.15am, starting from Jones’ Cafe in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.
• 1 x Group ‘For Men To Talk… and Walk’ in Hitchin per month. These are held on the 1st and 3rd Friday every month at 5:30pm, starting from St Mary’s Church, Hitchin opposite the Memorial Fountain
• 1 x Group ‘For Men To Talk… and Fish’ in Lower Caldecote per month, starting at 1pm at Manor Farm Fisheries. Please note that this is now free of charge, but registration is required.
• 1 x ‘For Men To Talk – Marple’ physical group meeting at the Shine Education Centre in Marple, Stockport, held at least once a month, starting at 7pm.
• 1 x ‘For Men To Talk – Stockport’ physical group meeting at The Wheatsheaf, Higher Hillgate, Stockport, held at least once a month, starting at 7pm.
  
• 2 x ‘For Men To Talk about Autism’ virtual meetings per month specifically tailored for autistic men, men with autistic family members or men who are awaiting an autism diagnosis. It’s an inclusive and supportive environment for men to talk about autism together. This was then occur on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month. 

The Facebook pages are the following. Please click individually to like:

• ‘For Men To Talk – Sandy’
• ‘For Men To Talk – Gamlingay’
• ‘For Men To Talk – Biggleswade’ 
• ‘For Men To Talk – St Neots’
• ‘For Men To Talk – Stockport’
• ‘For Men To Talk – Marple’
• ‘For Men To Talk – Potton’
• ‘For Men To Talk – Hitchin’
• ‘For Men To Talk… and Fish’
• ‘For Men To Talk about Autism’

The Instagram pages are the following. Please click individually to like:

• formentotalk_sandy 
• formentotalk_gam
• formentotalk_bigg
• formentotalk_stneots
• formentotalk_stock
• formentotalk_marple
• formentotalk_potton
• formentotalk_hit
• formentotalk_andfish
• formentotalkaboutautism

The website pages, with all available dates for 2024 are the following. 

• ‘For Men To Talk – Virtual’
• ‘For Men To Talk – Biggleswade’ 
• ‘For Men To Talk… and Walk – Biggleswade’ 
• ‘For Men To Talk – Gamlingay’
• ‘For Men To Talk – Hitchin’
• ‘For Men To Talk – Marple’
• ‘For Men To Talk – Potton’
• ‘For Men To Talk – St Neots’
• ‘For Men To Talk – Sandy’
• ‘For Men To Talk – Stockport’
• ‘For Men To Talk about Autism’
• ‘For Men To Talk… and Fish’