For Men To Talk founder shares exciting expansion news on BBC Three Counties Radio

On Friday 16 May 2025, Luke Newman, the passionate founder of For Men To Talk, joined Andy Collins on the BBC Three Counties Radio Breakfast Show to discuss the latest developments in the ever-growing men’s mental health initiative. What began as a small support group has now blossomed into a life-changing network for men across several towns—and it’s only getting bigger.

Luke, who won the BBC Three Counties Make A Difference Volunteer Award in September 2022, shared his excitement about the group’s latest expansion. Thanks to funding from the Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation under the Community Trust Fund, For Men To Talk will soon launch new monthly meetings in three additional towns: Ampthill, Shefford, and Flitwick.

‘For Men To Talk’ will launch an afternoon and evening meeting monthly meetings in Ampthill and Shefford, as well as morning and evening monthly meetings in Flitwick.

The Community Trust Fund will also continue supporting the morning meetings already operating in Biggleswade.

“It’s an incredibly emotional moment for me,” said Luke on the show. “When Andy said he was proud of me, I was genuinely touched. He mentioned how ‘For Men To Talk’ had grown from an acorn all those years ago—and hearing that meant the world.”

Andy Collins, known for championing local causes, praised Luke’s unwavering dedication and the profound impact of For Men To Talk. The peer support group, created to provide a safe space for men to talk openly about anxiety, depression, grief, and other mental health issues, continues to make a difference in communities across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hampshire, and Cheshire.

‘For Men To Talk’ already operates meetings in Biggleswade, Potton, Sandy, and St Neots, as well as Gamlingay and Hitchin. It has also grown to run sessions in Aldershot, Hampshire and Stockport, Cheshire.

For Men To Talk offers a range of support formats including in-person, virtual, walking, and fishing meetings, catering to different preferences and helping break down the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.

With these new locations and continued backing from community foundations, the group is set to reach even more men who might be silently struggling. Each session provides a judgement-free environment where men can be heard and supported by others who truly understand.

For more information about For Men To Talk, visit www.formentotalk.co.uk, call 07709 446480, or email luke@formentotalk.co.uk.

Hear the full conversation below.