A Landmark lecture delivered by ‘For Men To Talk’ CEO on Men’s Mental Health

‘For Men To Talk’ CEO and founder Luke Newman recently delivered his first-ever lecture on men’s mental health, in collaboration with Parallel Lives, to Social Work Apprenticeship students at the University of Bedfordshire. The session, held in Luton, provided an honest and practical look into the realities of men’s mental health and how professionals can respond effectively. 

The lecture began by setting clear aims: to explore key mental health issues, particularly those affecting men, understand the causes of poor mental health, and examine how professionals can better support individuals and families. A strong emphasis was placed on creating a safe and respectful learning environment, with group agreements around confidentiality and self-care.

Luke shared his own mental health journey, helping students connect personal experience with professional understanding. This set the tone for an open and reflective session, encouraging future social workers to think beyond theory and consider the real-life impact of mental health struggles.

One of the key areas explored was the causes of poor mental health. Students were introduced to cognitive distortions such as negative thinking, catastrophising, and black-and-white thinking. These patterns can deeply affect how individuals see themselves and the world around them. The session also highlighted Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including abuse, neglect, and growing up in households with mental health or substance misuse issues. These early experiences can have long-lasting effects into adulthood.

A powerful section focused on suicide and men. The statistics shared were stark: suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 45 in the UK, with men accounting for around three-quarters of all suicides. The discussion explored why men are less likely to seek help and the barriers they face, including stigma and societal expectations.

The lecture also introduced the “Four Pillars of Wellbeing” — sleep, exercise, stress management, and nutrition — as simple but effective ways to improve mental health. Alongside this, there was a deeper look into the pressures faced by modern families, particularly the evolving role of fathers.

Students learned how fatherhood has changed over time, from the traditional “breadwinner” role to a more involved and emotionally present caregiver. Despite this progress, the concept of “invisible fathers” was discussed, highlighting how men are sometimes overlooked in professional assessments. This can lead to missed risks but also missed opportunities to provide support.

Another key topic was the influence of gender stereotypes and the rise of online “manosphere” communities. These spaces can shape young men’s views on relationships, identity, and masculinity, sometimes promoting harmful attitudes. Understanding this context is vital for professionals working with young people today.

The session concluded with a focus on professional curiosity — encouraging social workers to ask not just “What’s wrong?” but “What has happened?” This shift helps create a more compassionate, trauma-informed approach to care.

Reflecting on the experience, Luke Newman said: “It was a proud moment to deliver this lecture. If we want to improve outcomes for men and families, we must start by changing how we understand and talk about men’s mental health. Education is key.”

This landmark lecture marks an important step in raising awareness and equipping future professionals with the knowledge and confidence to support men more effectively.