Nearly £200 raised at the first Potton United and For Men To Talk partnership event

Potton United and ‘For Men To Talk’ have started an exciting new partnership, and the first game has already made a big difference.

The partnership began on Saturday 27 December 2025, when Potton United, who play in the Spartan South Midlands Football League, hosted Biggleswade United. For this match, £1 from every adult ticket was donated to ‘For Men To Talk’. Supporters also gave generously through collection buckets on the day. An information stand was set up so people could learn more about the local support that ‘For Men To Talk’ offers.

Thanks to everyone’s kindness, a total of £172.11 was raised.

For Men To Talk is a peer support group for men who are living with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and grief. The group offers a safe and relaxed space for men to talk. There are no rules, no registration, and no pressure. Men can share as much or as little as they want.

The community interest company started in 2019 with physical meetings in Biggleswade. Since then, it has grown steadily. There is now also a monthly meeting in Potton, alongside meetings in Ampthill, Biggleswade, Blunham, Potton, Shefford, Flitwick and Sandy in Bedfordshire. Support is also offered in St Neots and Gamlingay in Cambridgeshire, Hitchin in Hertfordshire, and Stockport in Cheshire. Men can choose from physical, virtual, walking and fishing groups, giving different ways to connect.

The partnership with Potton United is especially meaningful to Luke Newman, the CEO and founder of ‘For Men To Talk’. Luke has lived in Potton for a total of 16 years and grew up in nearby Sandy. Football grounds are busy community spaces, and sharing information about mental health support in this setting helps reach men who may never look for help on their own.

Luke said: “Seeing ‘For Men To Talk’ at Potton United means a lot to me personally. This town has been my home for many years. Football brings people together, and having our message here helps men realise they are not alone and that support is close by.”

Andy Barwell, spokesman from Potton United, reflected on the day: “The result didn’t go our way yesterday having to play with 10 men for 87 minutes. On a positive note our launch game for our partnership with For Men To Talk went extremely well raising awareness and the best part of £200 for this great cause. Sometimes, things are more important than a football result.”

Having ‘For Men To Talk’ visible at the football ground is vital. Many men attend matches every week but may struggle in silence. By placing information where men already are, this partnership removes a barrier to asking for help. It shows that mental health matters just as much as the scoreline.

If you would like to find out more, visit www.formentotalk.co.uk, call 07709 446480, or email Luke directly at luke@formentotalk.co.uk.