‘For Men To Talk’ CEO Luke Newman delivers two presentations during Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week (11 – 17 May 2026) encourages people to take action to support good mental health. Even small actions can make a difference. A conversation, a listening ear, or sharing experiences can help people feel less alone and more hopeful.
During the week, For Men To Talk CEO Luke Newman delivered two presentations to organisations focused on supporting people and improving wellbeing.
The first presentation was delivered to 82 members of Central Bedfordshire’s Community Early Help Team. The ten-minute talk introduced ‘For Men To Talk’, explaining why the organisation was formed, what support it offers, why these services are needed, and the charity’s future plans.
Central Bedfordshire’s Community Early Help Team provides voluntary support for children, young people, and families. Their work focuses on helping people early, before problems become more serious. The service supports children from birth to 19 years old, or up to 25 years old for those with special educational needs or disabilities. Their work includes Early Help Assessments, family support, and working alongside community partners.
The presentation highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces where men feel comfortable opening up about their mental health. ‘For Men To Talk’ continues to provide opportunities for men to speak openly through physical, virtual, walking, fishing and social meetings.
Feedback received included:
- “Amazing service Luke will definitely be sharing and thank you for sharing your story”
- “Incredible stuff you are doing, Luke!”
- “Thanks Luke, wonderful support you are providing for men.”
- “Thanks so much Luke – my team will be in touch.”
- “Fantastic support. Thank you!”
Luke Newman said: “Mental health conversations can change lives. Sometimes, simply giving someone the opportunity to speak openly without judgement can make a huge difference. We want men to know they are not alone and that support is available.”
The second presentation took place at Cambridge OCR. The one-hour session explored the work of ‘For Men To Talk’ in greater detail while also looking at wider mental health topics.
The presentation covered adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), causes of poor mental health, and how mental health challenges can affect children, teenagers, and men differently. It also explored the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and some of the reasons why many men still struggle to speak openly about how they feel.
The session discussed how experiences during childhood can affect emotional wellbeing later in life. Difficult experiences, stress, trauma, bullying, loneliness, financial worries, and social pressures can all contribute to poor mental health. Teenagers can also face additional pressures linked to social media, education, friendships, and identity.
The presentation also focused on the pressures many men face. Society can often expect men to stay strong, avoid showing emotion, or deal with problems alone. These expectations can stop men from asking for help when they need it most.
OCR is a trusted awarding organisation that offers a wide range of qualifications, including GCSEs, A Levels, Cambridge Nationals, and Cambridge Advanced Nationals. Their work helps students across the country achieve their educational goals.
Mental Health Awareness Week continues to remind people that support, understanding, and conversation matter. By working together, communities and organisations can help reduce stigma and encourage more people to seek support when they need it.