New survey shows ‘For Men To Talk’ more than doubles men’s self-rated mental health

A new Attendee Impact Survey from For Men To Talk reveals significant improvements in men’s mental health, reduced isolation, and powerful life-changing outcomes for those attending the peer support group.

The survey, completed by 28 attendees, highlights measurable progress in wellbeing. Before attending For Men To Talk, participants rated their mental health at an average of 3.3 out of 10. After attending, that average increased to 7 out of 10 — more than double.

In addition:

• 89% say their mental health has improved
• 92.9% say attending has helped prevent their mental health from getting worse
• 96.4% would recommend the group to another man struggling
• More than half of respondents (57.1%) have been attending for over a year, demonstrating long-term trust and sustained engagement. The majority attend weekly or fortnightly, showing that the group plays a consistent role in maintaining wellbeing.

Reducing Isolation and Building Confidence

The survey highlights the core impact of the organisation — breaking isolation and creating safe spaces for men to talk openly.

• 69% feel less isolated
• 79% feel more able to talk about their feelings
• 62% feel more understood
• 55% feel more hopeful about the future
• Over 92% of attendees say they feel safe and comfortable at meetings, while 96% say they feel listened to and respected. The organisation operates without registration, referral, or pressure to speak — an approach strongly valued by 93% of respondents.

Life-Changing Outcomes

Open text responses reveal the depth of impact. Several attendees described the group as life-saving, with statements including:

• “Saved my life. Genuinely.”
• “I’m alive.”
• “With the help of For Men To Talk, I’m now proud to say I want to stay alive.”

Others reported reducing harmful coping behaviours, coming off drugs and alcohol, changing jobs, opening up to family members, and building lasting friendships.

One attendee shared that the group helped them stop self-harming and begin planning for the future. Another credited the group with supporting their recovery alongside professional services.

A Preventative Approach That Works

The findings underline the preventative value of peer-led support. By offering regular, pressure-free meetings, For Men To Talk helps men manage anxiety, depression, grief and isolation before reaching crisis point.

Luke Newman, CEO and Founder of For Men To Talk, said: “These results show what can happen when men are given a safe space to talk without judgement or pressure. We are not a clinical service — we are a community. When men feel heard and understood, real change happens. The fact that so many men say the group has prevented their mental health from getting worse is incredibly powerful.”

Growing Community Impact

With strong recommendation rates and consistent attendance, For Men To Talk continues to demonstrate that simple, accessible peer support can deliver meaningful outcomes.

The survey reinforces the organisation’s mission: bringing men together to talk, connect and realise they are not alone.