Talking Saves Lives: Howdens Biggleswade Welcomes ‘For Men To Talk’

On Tuesday 9 September 2025, the Howdens Joinery branch in Biggleswade celebrated its birthday in a very special way. Alongside the usual celebrations, they welcomed Luke Newman, founder of the men’s mental health group ‘For Men To Talk’. Luke spent the day meeting with customers, many of whom work in the construction trade.

Howdens is a leading UK supplier of kitchens and joinery products, supporting builders, carpenters, and contractors. These workers are at the heart of the construction industry, but the statistics around men’s mental health in this sector are deeply worrying. Male construction workers are three times more likely to die by suicide compared to the national average. The rate of suicide among men in construction is around 34 per 100,000, while the overall rate for men across the UK is about 10 per 100,000. These numbers show just how important it is to talk, listen, and provide support where it is needed most.

Luke Newman knows this first-hand, which is why he set up ‘For Men To Talk’. His organisation runs meetings to help men open up about their feelings in safe and supportive spaces. These meetings take place in towns across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, and Cheshire. Some are in cafés, some outdoors, and some even by the water while fishing. The idea is simple but powerful—talking saves lives.

During his visit to Howdens Biggleswade, Luke spent time chatting with customers about the struggles many men carry silently. He explained how ‘For Men To Talk’ can be there for them, whether they prefer to meet face-to-face, join a virtual session, or take part in a walking or fishing group. Luke emphasised that there is no one “right way” to talk—what matters is taking that first step and knowing you’re not alone.

Speaking on the day, Luke said: “Men in construction face enormous pressures, but too often they feel like they have to keep it all inside. I want every man to know there is a place where they can share how they feel, without judgement. Talking really does help.”

The support of local businesses such as Howdens makes a real difference. By inviting Luke to their branch birthday, Howdens Biggleswade showed that they care about the wellbeing of their customers, not just the work they do. For many men, the workplace is where they spend most of their time, and it can be the first place where change begins.

Luke has said that he hopes to return to Howdens Biggleswade regularly in the future, offering his time and support to customers who might need someone to listen. It’s a reminder that mental health should never be pushed aside, and that even small conversations can create lasting change.

As Luke’s visit showed, when men talk, they find strength. And when communities like Howdens open their doors to these conversations, they help build something even stronger than kitchens—they help build hope.