‘For Men To Talk’ attends the Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire Community Partnership Group on Autism
‘For Men To Talk’ recently took part in an important community event to help raise awareness and support for autistic people and their families.
On Wednesday 4 March 2026, ‘For Men To Talk’ had a stall at the Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire Community Partnership Group on Autism. The event was held at the The Rufus Centre and brought together organisations, professionals and community members who all share a common goal: improving understanding and support for people with autism.
The evening began with welcome coffee and registration, giving attendees the chance to meet, talk and visit the marketplace stalls before the event officially started. This provided a valuable opportunity for ‘For Men To Talk’ to speak with visitors about the work they do and to promote their specialist sessions, ‘For Men To Talk about Autism’.
The ‘For Men To Talk about Autism’ meetings are designed specifically for autistic men, men who have autistic family members, or men who may currently be waiting for an autism diagnosis. The sessions aim to create a relaxed, understanding space where men can talk openly about autism and the challenges that may come with it.
The ‘For Men To Talk about Autism’ meetings are held online via Zoom every second and fourth Monday of the month at 6pm. Like all ‘For Men To Talk’ sessions, there is no pressure to speak. Men can say as much or as little as they wish. The focus is on listening, sharing experiences and knowing that no one has to face things alone.
Following the welcome and introductions at the event, attendees were given an overview of the purpose of the Community Partnership Groups and what they hope to achieve. A guest speaker then shared a personal journey with autism, offering an honest and powerful insight into lived experience. Stories like these help people better understand the realities faced by many autistic individuals and their families.
After a short break, the evening moved into informal group discussions. These conversations focused on several key topics affecting autistic people and those who support them. Participants were asked whether they feel they receive the care packages arranged by social workers or care coordinators, and whether they feel comfortable raising concerns about the care they receive. Discussions also explored how regularly people meet with professionals involved in their care and how involved they feel in decisions that affect them.
‘For Men To Talk’ CEO and founder Luke Newman also took part in these discussions, listening to experiences and contributing to the conversation about how communities can better support autistic individuals.
Luke Newman said: “Events like this are incredibly important because they bring people together to listen, learn and understand. Autism affects many people directly or through their families, and too often they feel they have nowhere to talk about it. ‘For Men To Talk about Autism’ gives men a safe and supportive space where they can share experiences, feel understood and realise they are not alone.”
The event closed with a wrap-up of the discussions and a shared commitment to continue building a collaborative approach to improving support and services.
By attending events like this, ‘For Men To Talk’ continues to raise awareness, connect with the community and ensure that more men know there is a place where they can talk openly about autism and their experiences.
For dates and times of ‘For Men To Talk about Autism’, please visit: https://formentotalk.co.uk/formentotalkaboutautism/