Potton United and ‘For Men To Talk’ Announce Partnership

Potton United, a club with deep roots in the community, has announced a new partnership with the men’s mental health peer-support group ‘For Men To Talk’. Formed during wartime in 1943, Potton United made an early impact by winning the Bedfordshire Intermediate Cup in 1944. Today, the club continues its proud history, competing in the Spartan South Midlands Football League.

This partnership carries special meaning for ‘For Men To Talk’ founder and CEO Luke Newman, who has lived in Potton for 16 years and grew up in nearby Sandy. The organisation he created in 2019 offers safe, comfortable spaces for men to open up about their mental health. As Luke puts it, “Men often feel pressure to stay silent. We want to show them they never have to face their struggles alone.”

Luke continues; “I’m truly grateful to Potton United for choosing to support ‘For Men To Talk’. Their willingness to shine a light on men’s mental health means so much to us and to the men who rely on our groups. I’m excited about this partnership and the positive impact we can make together within our local community.”

The need for support has never been clearer. Recent figures show that someone in the UK dies by suicide every 90 minutes, and one in four people have experienced suicidal thoughts. In 2024, there were 6,190 suicides registered in England and Wales. Of these, 4,599 were men, with the highest rate among those aged 50 to 54. These numbers highlight how vital peer-support groups are, especially for men who may find it difficult to talk openly with family or friends.

‘For Men To Talk’ has grown steadily since its first meeting in Biggleswade. Today, the group offers physical, virtual, walking, and even fishing meetings across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Cheshire—including a monthly meeting right here in Potton. Conversations cover all areas of life: work, relationships, anxiety, grief and more. There is no registration, no referral and no pressure. Men can share as much or as little as they choose.

Promoting the group at Potton United’s football ground will help it reach even more people. Football clubs are community hubs, bringing together fans of all ages and backgrounds. Many men who may not usually seek support could come across the information simply by attending a match. It creates a natural way to start conversations and raise awareness.

Andy Barwell, spokesman for Potton United, explained the club’s commitment clearly: “Football can play a vital role in reducing the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. Connecting not only our home fans but also away fans on the support ‘’For Men To Talk’’ offer locally is vitally important and something as a club we are honoured to advocate.”

The partnership officially begins on Saturday 27 December 2025, when Potton United host Biggleswade United at 3pm at The Hutchinson Hollow. For this special match, £1 from every adult admission will be donated to ‘For Men To Talk’. Collection buckets and information stands will also be available for anyone wishing to make further donations or learn more about the group’s services.

To find out more, visit www.formentotalk.co.uk, call 07709 446480.