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Man 'proud' his men's support group expanding

Alex Pope
BBC News, Bedfordshire
For Men To Talk Luke Newman squinting while taking a selfie. He has short dark hair and is wearing a white T-shirt. He is surrounded by six other men and they are all wearing For Men To Talk T-shirts. They are all outside on a walk.For Men To Talk
Luke Newman (middle) said "we know that talking saves lives"

A man who set up a peer support group to help men deal with anxiety, depression and grief said expanding the service made him feel "proud".

Luke Newman, from Potton in Bedfordshire, created For Men to Talk in 2019 following his own struggle with depression.

New monthly meetings are to take place in Ampthill, Shefford and Flitwick after the group received funding from the Community Trust Fund - a partnership between the Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation (BLCF) and London Luton Airport.

He said it "reflects both a growing demand and a growing awareness that talking openly about mental health is vital to recovery and wellbeing".

For Men To Talk A group of men, out for a walk, holding walking sticks, with houses, trees and bushes behind them.For Men To Talk
The group talks about football, television, films and "more profound conversations about our emotions and personal experiences", said Mr Newman

The community interest company has grown steadily since it started nearly six years ago.

It now holds peer support services across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, including in Biggleswade, Potton, Sandy, Gamlingay, Hitchin and St Neots.

Meetings have also been set up in Aldershot, Hampshire and Stockport, Cheshire.

New afternoon and evening meetings will be held at The Wingfield Club in Ampthill and The Cornerstone in Shefford, while Chic Celebrations in Flitwick will hold morning and evening sessions.

The money will also support existing Biggleswade meetings.

Mr Newman said the group offered "a safe, non-judgemental environment where men experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and other mental health challenges can share and connect with others who understand".

They are held in person, at walking and fishing meetings, and online.

For Men To Talk A group of men, in outside coats, at Jordans Mill, standing by a large mill stone. They are all looking at the camera and smiling. For Men To Talk
The group at a recent meeting at Jordans Mill, Biggleswade

He said its mission was "to reduce the stigma around men's mental health by offering spaces where men feel encouraged to talk".

"The expansion reflects both a growing demand and a growing awareness that talking openly about mental health is vital to recovery and wellbeing.

"We're incredibly proud to be expanding our reach across Bedfordshire. It means we can connect with more men who may be struggling in silence."

He said the sessions were about "community, understanding and giving men the chance to open up without judgement".

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