Carrying the Weight: London Luton Airport Fire Service walk 14-miles to raise awareness for men’s mental health

In light of Men’s Health Month, nine firefighters from London Luton Airport’s (LLA) Fire Service walked a 14-mile route around the airport terminal today (21 November) in partnership with ‘For Men To Talk’, to raise awareness and encourage open discussions around men’s mental health.

The firefighters donned breathing apparatus on their back for the duration of the walk, symbolic of the weight of poor mental health. The 14-miles represent the 14 men who die by suicide every day in the UK.

Donations were collected en route to raise funds for the ‘For Men To Talk’ Community Interest Company and peer support group based in Biggleswade. The group’s services were boosted by funding from London Luton Airport’s Community Trust Fund earlier this year. 

LLA’s Community Trust Fund offers grants of up to £10,000 to local charities and not-for-profit organisations within a five-mile radius of the airport. The grant has helped ‘For Men To Talk’ expand its service to other towns across Bedfordshire.

LLA Firefighter, Matt Johnson, who organised the event said: “Today’s event was a very effective way of sharing a hugely important message around men’s mental health. Not only did we help raise valuable funds for a fantastic local CIC that is doing some great work in the local area, we also managed to collaborate with the airport to raise awareness of the importance of speaking openly about mental  health and how this is vital to men’s health and wellbeing.”

Luke Newman, from Potton in Bedfordshire, created ‘For Men To Talk’ in 2019 following his own struggle with depression. “’For Men To Talk’ is about creating a safe, non-judgemental forum for men who may be suffering from anxiety, grief, depression and other mental health challenges to engage, share thoughts and experiences with others who understand. Our sessions are about community, understanding and giving men opportunities to be open about their challenges without fear of being judged.” 

Neil Thompson, Chief Operating Officer said: “London Luton Airport is focused on delivering enduring and meaningful social value in our local communities, that goes far beyond the financial benefit of our grant giving initiatives. For us, the real value we feel we can deliver is by developing our relationships with the schools, community groups and charities that deliver such incredible work on behalf of local people.” 

For further details on the charity or today’s LLA walk, Luke can be contacted at 07709 446480 or luke@formentotalk.co.uk.