A new chapter for ‘For Men To Talk’ founder Luke Newman
Written by Luke Newman, Founder of ‘For Men To Talk’
Today, 13 February 2025, marks a big day in my life and career. I’ve made the decision to dedicate myself fully to ‘For Men To Talk.’ After years of balancing it with a full-time job, I’m taking the leap to make it my sole focus.
When I started ‘For Men To Talk’ in December 2019, it was something I worked on in the evenings and weekends. Juggling two full-time commitments meant working around 80 hours a week or following unconventional schedules. This came at a cost—less time for personal responsibilities, interests, and hobbies.
It was exhausting but also deeply fulfilling. My mission to help men open up about their mental health kept me motivated. Even so, the long hours took a toll. Finding time to rest and recharge became increasingly difficult. I couldn’t fully disconnect from work or enjoy the activities that once brought me joy. I also spent less time with family and friends.
Despite these challenges, I always tried to keep something on the horizon to lift my spirits. But even that became harder to maintain. I realised I was burning out and needed to make a change.
The decision to focus entirely on ‘For Men To Talk’ is both exciting and risky. As a husband and father of three, I have bills to pay and responsibilities to my family. But the rapid growth of the group has made it clear—this is the right time to fully commit.
‘For Men To Talk’ is a Community Interest Company (CIC). This means it’s a special type of business designed to benefit the community. Our mission is clear: to provide a safe space for men to talk about their mental health and to challenge the stigma surrounding it.
We offer peer support meetings for men dealing with anxiety, depression, and grief. Over the years, we’ve expanded our services to include physical, virtual, fishing, and walking sessions. Each meeting creates opportunities for men to connect, share, and support one another.
Running a growing organisation like this takes resources. We rely heavily on grants, donations, and fundraising to keep our services running. Beyond the meetings, there are also daily tasks like managing social media, marketing, writing blogs, and updating the website.
The work is demanding but deeply rewarding. Helping men take steps to improve their mental health is my passion, and now I have the chance to give it my all.
If you’d like to learn more about ‘For Men To Talk’ or support us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can reach me, Luke Newman, at 07709 446480 or via email at luke@formentotalk.co.uk.
Thank you for your support as we continue to grow and make a difference in the lives of men.