The importance of Town Council Newsletters in promoting ‘For Men To Talk’

In recent months, local town councils such as Ampthill and Biggleswade have taken an important step forward in championing men’s mental health by promoting ‘For Men To Talk’ meetings through their newsletters—Around the Pump and Biggleswade News respectively. This seemingly small gesture plays a significant role in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and helping men access vital support networks in their communities.

‘For Men To Talk’ is more than just a group—it’s a lifeline. As a registered Community Interest Company (CIC), it was founded with a clear mission: to create safe spaces for men who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, or other mental health challenges to come together and speak openly. Whether it’s in physical meetings, virtual sessions, or more informal settings like walking or fishing gatherings, the goal remains the same—breaking the silence around men’s mental health.

For many men, opening up about emotions or struggles is still considered taboo. The pressures of societal expectations and traditional masculinity can often prevent them from seeking help. This is where town council newsletters step in as powerful platforms of change. By including information about ‘For Men To Talk’, councils signal that it’s okay to not be okay, and that help is not only available but also encouraged.

The recent coverage in Ampthill and Biggleswade is a great example. By spotlighting the local physical and walking meetings available in their communities, the councils are helping bridge the gap between isolation and connection. These newsletters land directly in people’s homes, reaching men who might never actively seek out support but are more likely to consider it if it’s placed in front of them, familiar, and local.

Beyond visibility, these features also validate the work of ‘For Men To Talk’. When a respected local body promotes a support group, it lends credibility and reassurance, especially for those who might be hesitant or uncertain. It tells men, “This is real, this is local, and this is for you.”

Moreover, this kind of support from town councils fosters a sense of community ownership and collective responsibility. Mental health should not be a private burden—it’s a public conversation, and newsletters are an accessible, community-centred way to start and sustain that dialogue.

In a time where men’s mental health statistics remain worrying, and resources are often stretched thin, every effort counts. Town councils have a unique role to play, and by supporting ‘For Men To Talk’, they are not just publishing information—they’re saving lives.

For more information about ‘For Men To Talk’ and how you or someone you know can get involved, visit www.formentotalk.co.uk, call 07709 446480, or email founder Luke Newman at luke@formentotalk.co.uk.

Let’s continue to talk. Let’s continue to listen. Let’s continue to care.