New Community Mental Health Centres Are Welcome – But Peer Support Must Not Be Forgotten
‘For Men To Talk’ has welcomed the government’s plans to create a network of nearly 200 community mental health centres and mental health A&Es across England by 2029.
The new centres aim to give people experiencing a mental health crisis somewhere to go for immediate support. Many of the hubs are expected to open in high street locations, such as former banks and libraries, making them easier for people to access when they need help most.
This is an important step forward. Every extra opportunity for someone to receive support could help save lives.
However, more investment is also needed in community peer support groups that help men before they reach crisis point.
The latest figures from 2024 show there were 6,190 suicides registered in England and Wales. Of those, 4,599 were men. Despite these heartbreaking numbers, only around one in three of those men had been in contact with clinical mental health services before they died.
These figures show that many men are not reaching professional services. Some may not know where to turn. Others may not feel comfortable asking for clinical support. That is where community groups can make a real difference.
One in five people experience mental health problems, yet many only seek help when they are already in crisis. Peer support groups provide a place where men can talk earlier, helping to reduce isolation and encouraging them to open up before their mental health becomes overwhelming.
Luke Newman, CEO and founder of ‘For Men To Talk’, said: “The government’s investment in mental health crisis services is very welcome, but we must also invest in the community groups that help prevent people from reaching that crisis. Every conversation matters, and giving men a safe place to talk can change – and even save – lives.”
‘For Men To Talk’ provides free peer support for men living with anxiety, depression, grief and other mental health challenges. Meetings are relaxed, friendly and welcoming. There is no registration, referral or cost. Men can speak as much or as little as they wish.
Conversations cover many parts of life, including work, relationships, family, loneliness, stress and anxiety. Sometimes simply listening to others who understand can make a huge difference.
The organisation offers a wide range of ways for men to connect, including physical meetings, virtual meetings, walking groups, fishing sessions and social events. Meetings currently take place in Ampthill, Biggleswade, Potton and Sandy in Bedfordshire, St Neots and Gamlingay in Cambridgeshire, and Hitchin in Hertfordshire.
‘For Men To Talk’ also runs ‘For Men To Talk about Autism’, providing a safe and inclusive space for autistic men, men with autistic family members and those waiting for an autism diagnosis.
Alongside this, the ‘For Men To Talk Social Club’ offers monthly trips to places such as restaurants, cinemas and comedy clubs, helping men build friendships without the pressure of discussing mental health.
The organisation will also soon launch the ‘For Men To Talk Shed’, a hands-on workshop where men can take part in practical activities, build confidence and develop a stronger sense of community.
New crisis centres are an important part of improving mental health care. But preventing crisis should be just as important as responding to it. By investing in both clinical services and local peer support groups, more men can get help earlier, feel less alone and find hope before reaching breaking point.
You can find all the dates, times and venues for ‘For Men To Talk’ via:
- The events section on the ‘For Men To Talk’ Facebook events page via www.facebook.com/formentotalk/events
- The weekly ‘For Men To Talk’ newsletter via https://tinyurl.com/FMTTNL which is posted every Monday.
- The ‘For Men To Talk’ blog page: www.formentotalk.co.uk/blogs
- The ‘For Men To Talk’ meetings section on the website via: www.formentotalk.co.uk/events