Luke Newman

Husband and father, Luke Newman, from Potton, Bedfordshire has started a group to get men talking about their anxiety, depression and grief. He has suffered for a number of years with grief and anxiety since losing his mother and sister both to cancer. Already been through counselling and therapy, Luke recognised that there wasn’t any groups for men just simply to talk. After setting up a Facebook page on Boxing Day in 2019, the first ‘For Men To Talk’ group meeting was held at ‘Jones’ Café’ in Biggleswade on Wednesday 13 February 2020, where nineteen attended, talking about anything from football, television, movies, to feelings. “It’s very informal”, said Luke. “There are no experts on hand. But leaflets and contact numbers for professional groups are available in an Information Corner for those men who recognise that they may need further help.” “It’s an open-door policy to any man who feels like that they need to talk.” Mr Newman said that he first started suffering from depression after his mother Jen Newman died aged 54 in 2005 and continued after his sister Heidi Melrose died aged 44 in 2015. “I have struggled. But I feel very fortunate that I have always been able to open up and talk to someone. I know that some men struggle with that. Let’s try and change that!”