Six Years of Support: Bedfordshire PCC Visits ‘For Men To Talk’ in Biggleswade
With the hope of giving men a space to connect and speak openly about their feelings, ‘For Men To Talk’ was launched on Christmas Eve in 2019. A few weeks later, on 13 February 2020, the first meeting took place at Jones’ Café in Biggleswade. Nineteen men attended that very first session.
Just over six years later, on 2 March 2026, the group returned to the same venue with the same number of men in the room — nineteen again. This time, the meeting was joined by John Tizard, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire.
Elected in 2024, John Tizard will serve as PCC until 2028. The role of the Police and Crime Commissioner is to be the voice of the people — representing residents, electors and businesses across Bedfordshire, and helping to ensure policing and community safety meet local needs.
His visit to Biggleswade highlighted the importance of community-led mental health support for men.
During the meeting, conversations were open and honest. Men spoke about anxiety, job insecurity, loneliness and burnout. Some shared struggles at work. Others spoke about relationship breakdowns or the pressure to always appear “strong”. As always, there was no pressure to speak — some men shared deeply personal stories, while others simply listened.
John Tizard said that some of the stories were very moving. He described it as a privilege to hear men being so open. He also said he felt inspired by the honesty and bravery shown in the room.
‘For Men To Talk’ is a peer support group for men who are struggling with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and grief. It offers a safe and comfortable environment where men can speak freely.
There are no rules or regulations. There is no registration or referral process. Men can say as much or as little as they want. The focus is simple — listening without judgement and supporting one another.
Luke Newman, CEO and founder of ‘For Men To Talk’, said: “When we started in 2019, we simply wanted to create a safe space where men could talk without fear of judgement. Six years later, seeing nineteen men in the same café, sharing openly while our Police and Crime Commissioner listens, shows just how powerful conversation can be.”
Since its launch, ‘For Men To Talk’ has continued to grow. The group now offers physical, virtual, walking and fishing meetings across Ampthill, Biggleswade, Blunham, Potton, Shefford, Flitwick and Sandy in Bedfordshire. It also runs sessions in St Neots and Gamlingay in Cambridgeshire, Hitchin in Hertfordshire, and Stockport in Cheshire.
The organisation has also expanded its support.
‘For Men To Talk about Autism’ provides a dedicated space for autistic men, men with autistic family members, or those waiting for a diagnosis. It is inclusive, understanding and supportive.
The ‘For Men To Talk Social Club’ focuses on time together rather than tough conversations. Monthly trips to restaurants, cinemas and comedy clubs help men build friendships and reduce isolation in a relaxed setting.
From nineteen men in 2020 to nineteen men again in 2026 — the numbers may be the same, but the impact continues to grow.