Hitchin’s Labour MP, Alistair Strathern recognises ‘For Men To Talk’ in House of Commons Speech 

Men’s mental health is finally getting the attention it deserves. Late last month, Hitchin’s Labour MP, Alistair Strathern, stood in the House of Commons and shared his own mental health challenges. His speech supported the Government’s first-ever Men’s Health Strategy — a major moment for men across the country.

Strathern spoke openly about the impact of a serious concussion that left him unable to work for six months. During that time, he struggled to read, think clearly, and eventually became deeply depressed. He said he was fortunate to have friends who recognised he needed help and encouraged him to seek support. As he explained, no man should ever face something like that alone.

This is where local peer-support groups play a crucial role. In his speech, Strathern praised several groups in his constituency, including ‘For Men To Talk’. These groups give men a safe space to talk honestly, without judgement, about life’s pressures. They bring men together, help build confidence, and reduce feelings of isolation.

Peer-support matters now more than ever. New figures show that 6,190 people died by suicide in England and Wales in 2024 — and 4,599 of them were men. The highest suicide rate was among men aged 50 to 54. These numbers haven’t improved from the previous year, reminding us how important ongoing support is.

Groups like ‘For Men To Talk’ are stepping up. They now run physical and virtual meetings, as well as walking and fishing sessions, so men can connect in a way that feels comfortable for them. These sessions are simple, welcoming, and built around conversation — sometimes about mental health, sometimes just about everyday life.

Luke Newman, Founder and CEO of ‘For Men To Talk’, says: “Men often feel they have to stay strong, but strength also means speaking up. Our groups remind men that they don’t have to face their struggles on their own. We’re grateful to Alistair for recognising the importance of men’s mental health. Men often feel pressure to stay silent, but speaking up is a real act of strength. At ‘For Men To Talk’, we want every man to know he doesn’t have to face his struggles alone.”

The new Men’s Health Strategy includes stronger investment in community groups just like these. It recognises that improving men’s mental health isn’t only about hospitals or GPs — it’s also about creating places where men feel safe to talk before they reach crisis point.

Strathern also made a wider point: men’s issues are not “men’s issues” alone. They affect families, friends, workplaces, and whole communities. When men suffer in silence, everyone around them feels the impact. When men get support early, lives can change — and lives can be saved.

Breaking stigma remains a big challenge. Many men still feel pressure to “get on with it” or hide how they feel. That’s why honest conversations, like the one in Parliament, are so important. They help show that mental health struggles can happen to anyone — and that asking for help is a sign of courage, not weakness.

As awareness grows, and as more men speak openly, we can build a society where no man feels alone. The progress in the Men’s Health Strategy, combined with the dedication of peer-support groups like ‘For Men To Talk’, is a powerful step forward.

Men deserve support, understanding, and the chance to talk. And together, we can make sure they get it.