Breaking the Silence: ‘For Men To Talk’ founder to present to Central Bedfordshire Council

Luke Newman, the founder of ‘For Men To Talk’, is set to deliver a presentation to the Young Adults & Independent Living Team and the Adult Assessment & Review Team at Central Bedfordshire Council. This opportunity marks a significant step in raising awareness about the importance of mental health support for men, a topic still too often surrounded by stigma and silence.

‘For Men To Talk’ is a Community Interest Company (CIC) that provides a safe and supportive space for men experiencing anxiety, depression, and grief. Through both physical and virtual meetings, as well as fishing and walking sessions, the group offers varied environments where men can open up, share their struggles, and connect with others who understand what they’re going through. The organisation has grown steadily since its formation, not just in terms of numbers, but in the depth of impact it has on individual lives.

Currently, meetings take place across a number of towns in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire, including Ampthill, Biggleswade, Potton, Shefford, Flitwick, St Neots, Gamlingay, Sandy, and Hitchin. The support even stretches further afield, with sessions now held in Aldershot, Hampshire and Stockport, Cheshire. This expansion is a testament to the demand for spaces where men can feel heard and understood.

Luke Newman’s personal experience with grief after the deaths of his mother and sister was the catalyst behind founding ‘For Men To Talk’. Since then, he has been a passionate advocate for encouraging men to speak openly about their emotions. Reflecting on the upcoming presentation, Luke shared, “I’m honoured to be speaking with Central Bedfordshire Council. The more professionals we can inform about what we do, the more lives we can help change. Men need to know that it’s okay to talk, and services need to understand how to support that.”

The presentation will outline not just the services ‘For Men To Talk’ provides, but also the crucial role these sessions play in early intervention and mental wellbeing. When men are given permission to talk without judgment, the outcomes can be transformative. It helps reduce the sense of isolation and shame that so often accompanies mental health struggles and allows individuals to build resilience and friendships in the process.

Mental health services across the UK are increasingly recognising the value of peer support groups, particularly those that address the specific needs of men. By collaborating with local authorities like Central Bedfordshire Council, ‘For Men To Talk’ aims to further embed its services within community frameworks, reaching more men before their struggles escalate.

As the conversation around men’s mental health continues to grow, ‘For Men To Talk’ remains at the forefront, not just by offering meetings, but by changing cultural attitudes. What began as a response to personal grief has evolved into a community lifeline for many.

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