‘For Men To Talk’ CEO Luke Newman returns from Eleventh Humanitarian Trip to Kenya.
Luke Newman, CEO of ‘For Men To Talk’ and a resident of Potton, Bedfordshire, has returned from his eleventh humanitarian trip to Nakuru, Kenya, where he spent time supporting local children, families, teachers and community projects.
Nakuru County has an estimated population of more than 2.1 million people and is home to 43 tribes. While the area continues to develop, around 50–60% of residents still live in low-income settlements with overcrowded housing and limited access to basic needs.
Luke travelled with a team from Derby County Community Trust and African Adventures, including his brother Paul, father Steve and nephew Max. During their visit to West End Academy School, they completed a wide range of projects aimed at improving the lives of local children and families.
The team removed a water barrel base, unloaded tonnes of sand for a playground project, dug a trench for a soakaway system and refilled pipe trenches. They also repainted children’s playground equipment, including swings and a slide, and unloaded block paving that has now been installed to create a safer and more enjoyable playground.
Education was another important focus of the trip. The team taught Maths to Year 4 and Year 5 pupils and worked alongside teachers to share ideas that could support learning in the classroom. Arts and crafts activities were also provided, giving children an enjoyable and creative learning experience.
The team supplied clothing and school uniforms to children who needed them most and provided daily maize for staff and workers. Children also received fresh fruit each day, including bananas and oranges.
Further improvements included cementing blackboards ready for painting, rendering concrete pillars, making classroom stairs safer by capping them, and replacing and repositioning guttering around the school.
Support was also provided to vulnerable families in the local community. Four families received enough food to last between two and three weeks. The team also organised a special Friday takeaway meal for the children, including chicken and chips, fruit, biscuits, popcorn and drinks.
In addition, communication boards were created for a pupil with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), with training and guidance provided to school staff on how to use them effectively.
Luke said: “Every trip to Kenya is a humbling experience. Seeing the difference that practical support, education and community spirit can make is truly inspiring. I am incredibly proud of what our team achieved together, and I would like to thank everyone who supports these projects.”
During the trip, Luke and his dad returned to a school they had previously visited, St Trizah School, where they restored two triple bunk beds. These bunk beds will provide sleeping space for 18 of the 28 girls in the dormitory and, thankfully, are no longer at risk of collapsing.
Luke was also supported by Sandy Inner Wheel, which made and donated crochet blankets. He was delighted to distribute them to families to help keep their babies warm, especially during the cold winter nights. The mothers and fathers were extremely grateful.
Anyone interested in taking part in next year’s trip can find out more through Derby County Community Trust via https://derbycountycommunitytrust.com/what-we-do/rams-in-kenya
For more than six years, Luke has also led ‘For Men To Talk’, a peer support group that helps men living with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and grief. The organisation provides physical, virtual, walking, fishing and social meetings, and will soon be launching the ‘For Men To Talk’ Shed in Stotfold.
Luke would like to extend his sincere thanks to Eden Tyres & Servicing, the award-winning family-run tyre and car experts, for their continued support of his humanitarian work.
Luke will be returning to Nakuru in 2027, to donate, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/lukenewmanrik27