‘For Men To Talk’ Awarded £11,212.08 Grant by Cambridgeshire Community Foundation

‘For Men To Talk,’ a peer support group dedicated to empowering men to address mental health challenges, is proud to announce it has been awarded £11,212.08 by the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation. The funding is part of the National Highways A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements, a project aimed at creating a reliable, high-quality route from the Black Cat Junction in Bedfordshire to the A428 Caxton Gibbet roundabout in Cambridgeshire.

This funding will enable ‘For Men To Talk’ to continue its vital mission of supporting men experiencing anxiety, depression, and grief through open discussions, peer support, and innovative meeting formats, including in-person, virtual, fishing, and walking meetings.

Luke Newman, founder of ‘For Men To Talk,’ expressed his gratitude; “’For Men To Talk’ can significantly contribute to National Highways’ A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements by fostering mental well-being within the community, aligning with their goal of leaving a positive legacy. Infrastructure projects often bring disruption and stress to local communities, potentially impacting mental health. Our peer support group offers a vital outlet for men experiencing anxiety, depression, and grief, providing a safe space for sharing and healing.”

Addressing Key Community Needs

The societal needs addressed by ‘For Men To Talk’ include:

• Reducing Male Suicide Rates: By creating a safe space for open discussions, the group aims to combat the stigma preventing men from seeking help.
• Challenging Mental Health Stigma: Normalising conversations about mental health to break down harmful societal expectations.
• Building Support Networks: Offering accessible, varied formats to ensure men from all backgrounds can participate and benefit.

The Cambridgeshire Community Foundation funding covers meetings in St. Neots, Gamlingay, Biggleswade, Lower Caldecote, Sandy, and Potton, where ‘For Men To Talk’ promotes inclusion and accessibility. By integrating into these communities, it fosters connections and raises awareness, enhancing overall well-being.

Impact of National Highways Support

The grant reflects National Highways’ commitment to leaving a positive legacy beyond infrastructure improvements. By supporting initiatives like ‘For Men To Talk,’ the project addresses the potential mental health impacts of large-scale construction and disruptions in the community.

The funding will allow ‘For Men To Talk’ to expand outreach efforts to connect with more men and continue promoting social connection, coping strategies, and stigma reduction.

“I am immensely grateful to the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation and National Highways for recognising the importance of mental well-being alongside infrastructure development,” continued Luke. “Together, we can build stronger, more resilient communities”

For more information, visit For Men To Talk at www.formentotalk.co.uk or contact Luke Newman on 07709 446480 or luke@formentotalk.co.uk