‘Shout or Whisper’ sits down with ‘For Men To Talk’ founder Luke Newman

In the first of their new interview series titled Word of Mouth, ‘Shout or Whisper’ sat down with ‘For Men To Talk’ founder Luke Newman, to hear about the group and the story behind its creation. The interview delves into the need for men’s peer support and the power of conversation for mental health.

‘Shout or Whisper’ is a community writing project that aims to celebrate all forms of creative expression. Their work includes writing workshops, which offer safe spaces for people to work on their projects, and open mic nights where they can share their creativity with others. The project was co-founded by Will and Tom, who met while studying creative writing. Will is an English tutor and creative writing course facilitator, while Tom, a published poet, was named one of the ‘Best New British and Irish Poets’ by The Black Spring Press Group in 2021.

In this discussion, Luke shares the motivation behind ‘For Men To Talk’, a peer support group designed to help men who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, and other mental health challenges. The group provides a safe and supportive space where men can talk openly about their struggles with fellow sufferers, an important step in breaking down the stigma that often surrounds men’s mental health.

Luke explains the group’s mission: “We want to create a space where men feel safe to open up and share their feelings. It’s about showing men that it’s okay to talk, to share, and to ask for help.”

‘For Men To Talk’ doesn’t just cater to those dealing with mental health issues like anxiety and depression. It also provides a tailored support service for autistic men and those who are connected to autism, whether as family members or through awaiting a diagnosis. This service, known as ‘For Men To Talk’ About Autism, helps create understanding and offers a chance for men to connect with others facing similar experiences.

Luke continues, “For men to feel comfortable talking, they need to be in an environment where they feel understood. That’s why we offer specific groups, like ‘For Men To Talk’ About Autism, where men can find a place that truly relates to their experiences.”

In addition to its regular peer support sessions, ‘For Men To Talk’ offers a variety of meeting formats to suit different needs. These include physical meetings, virtual sessions, and even walking or fishing groups, providing diverse ways for men to connect and share without the pressure of a formal setting.

These flexible options are essential for making the support accessible to as many men as possible. “Sometimes, all it takes is a walk or a fishing trip to create the right environment for someone to open up. Our group isn’t just about talking—it’s about creating moments of connection in ways that feel comfortable for everyone,” says Luke.

‘For Men To Talk’ is more than just a peer support group—it’s a movement to reshape how men view mental health and the importance of seeking help. Whether through conversation, shared activities, or just a safe space to be, the group has become a lifeline for many men who otherwise might feel isolated in their struggles.

For more information about ‘For Men To Talk’, visit www.formentotalk.co.uk, or contact Luke Newman at 07709 446480 or via email at luke@formentotalk.co.uk.

To read the full interview, visit https://www.shoutorwhisper.co.uk/post/word-of-mouth-for-men-to-talk