‘For Men To Talk’ joins Network Rail Safety Day in Hitchin
On Monday 29 September, the Network Rail Maintenance Delivery Unit (MDU) in Hitchin will host its Safety Day. The event will bring together staff, charities, and support organisations to highlight safety and wellbeing across the railway industry.
The day is being organised by Rebecca Fennelly, Workforce Health, Safety and Environment Advisor, who has invited a wide range of stalls and charities to attend. Between workshops, staff will be able to visit these stalls, learn more about the services available, and have open conversations about important issues.
Taking part is ‘For Men To Talk’, a peer support group for men who are living with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or grief. The group provides a safe and welcoming space where men can share their thoughts and feelings without pressure or judgement. Meetings take many forms, including face-to-face sessions, online groups, walking meetups, and even fishing trips.
Luke Newman, founder of ‘For Men To Talk’, explains: “We have physical meetings in the railway station towns of Hitchin, Sandy, St. Neots and Flitwick. It’s important to highlight this because these are towns connected by the rail network where many men live and work. Having our meetings nearby makes it easier for men to find us, step through the door, and start talking. Sometimes that first step is the hardest, but once taken, it can make all the difference.”
Suicide Prevention and the Railways
Sadly, suicide continues to have a major impact on Britain’s railways. A report compiled on 20 August 2024 by Dr Roger Tyers and Iona Stewart for the House of Commons Library titled ‘Suicide prevention: Transport’ showed that:
- Of the 290 fatalities on the railways in 2022/23, 265 were suicide or suspected suicide.
- Each year since 2011/12, between 280 and 360 suicide attempts (fatal and non-fatal) have been recorded on the network.
- In 2022, the Office of Rail and Road estimated the financial cost of one suicide to be around £275,000.
- In 2020/21, suicide incidents caused 357,888 minutes of train delays.
- In 2023/24, the British Transport Police made 2,242 life-saving interventions—that’s more than 40 every week.
These numbers show the scale of the challenge. They also show why events like the Hitchin Safety Day matter so much. By opening conversations, breaking stigma, and pointing people toward support, lives can be saved.
Creating Space for Men to Talk
‘For Men To Talk’ plays a vital role in this effort. The group gives men a safe place to share worries about work, relationships, health, and everyday life pressures. There are no strict rules, no need for referrals, and no pressure to speak—men can talk as much or as little as they like.
By being part of the Network Rail Safety Day, Luke will highlight how talking about mental health can be a powerful step in preventing crisis and supporting wellbeing.
As Luke says, sometimes the most important thing is knowing you’re not alone.