Tough To Talk

09/02/2026

Most su***de prevention still happens too late.

In the UK, around 75% of all su***des are men.
That isn’t a sudden crisis problem.
It’s the result of years of silence, pressure and unmet need.
(Source: Office for National Statistics)

Men don’t reach breaking point overnight.

They struggle quietly inside systems that don’t spot risk early enough.

That’s where we work.
At Tough To Talk, we partner with companies and charities to tackle su***de risk upstream of crisis.
We help organisations:
• Train and embed Tough Talkers inside their workforce
• Build confidence to spot early warning signs
• Equip people to have difficult conversations safely
• Put su***de safety plans in place before crisis escalates
• Use real-world insight to shape better, earlier support

This isn’t a talk-and-leave model.
It’s a partnership that changes culture, builds internal capability and saves lives.

If you’re a leader who’s tired of reacting late and ready to take prevention seriously, we should be talking.

📩 Message us here
✉ talk@toughtotalk.com

29/01/2026

Our next Tough To Talk newsletter goes out on Monday.

It’s not an awareness roundup.
It’s for people responsible for doing something about su***de prevention.

Inside, we’ll be sharing:
• What’s actually changing in su***de prevention
• Insight from frontline delivery in male-centric spaces
• Lessons from Tough Talkers working upstream of crisis
• What workplaces should expect from the new BSI su***de prevention standards and what “good” really looks like in practice
• Practical thinking for leaders, charities and organisations supporting vulnerable men

No platitudes.
No recycled stats.
Just evidence, experience and what works.

If you care about reducing male su***de and want informed, early insight, sign up via the Tough To Talk website.

Because prevention works best when people are informed early.

📩 Sign up at www.toughtotalk.com

28/01/2026

our staff are carrying more than you ever trained them for.

Across the country, charities are supporting men facing addiction, homelessness, trauma, isolation, poverty and crisis. These are the realities that sit closest to su***de risk.

Your frontline staff and volunteers see it every day.
They hear the disclosures.
They sense when something isn’t right.
They carry stories home that don’t clock off at 5pm.

Most were never trained for that level of risk.
And even fewer are supported to process the impact it has on them.

At Tough To Talk, we’re building partnerships with charities that support vulnerable men so we can strengthen the people at the heart of your work.

Through our Tough Talker training, your frontline staff and volunteers learn how to:
• Spot early signs of suicidal ideation
• Have calm, direct and safe conversations
• Put a su***de safety plan in place when risk appears

But prevention only works if the people delivering it are supported too.

That’s why Tough Talkers don’t train once and disappear.

They become part of a national network:
• Ongoing peer support through our app
• Continued learning via training refreshers and webinars
• A trusted space to reflect, share insight and reduce emotional load
• Support that helps them look after themselves while caring for others

Their lived experience and insight then helps shape how your organisation supports the very people it was created to serve. Prevention intelligence flows back into practice. Culture changes early. Risk is handled safely.

Your staff are not an add-on to the solution.
They are the solution.

If you lead a charity supporting vulnerable men and want to strengthen your frontline safely, sustainably and with care, we’d welcome a conversation.

📩 Message us here
✉ talk@toughtotalk.com

22/01/2026

Where does your donation actually go?
Awareness? 𝗢𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻!

Most people want to help.
They just don’t know where their money actually does anything.

At Tough To Talk, fundraising isn’t about sympathy.
It’s about stopping silence before it becomes a crisis.

When you donate monthly, run an event, or fundraise with us as a charity partner, you’re not “raising awareness”.

You’re funding:

- Tough Talkers trained and embedded where men actually show up
- Early conversations that happen before things fall apart
- Real interventions that stop men reaching crisis in the first place

In one year alone, this approach helped prevent over 30 su***des.
That’s not a promise. That’s documented action.

So whether you:

- Give a small amount every month
- Organise a fundraiser through your workplace, network, or community
- Choose Tough To Talk as your charity partner

You’re doing something quietly powerful.
You’re backing prevention, not reaction.

This is how change actually happens.
Not with grand gestures. With consistent, practical support.

If you want your time, effort, or money to matter, we’d love to work with you.

Support prevention. Fund the conversations that save lives.

02/01/2026

📍 Riding for a Reason: 115km, a storm, and a mission worth every pedal stroke. 🚴‍♂️

Sam Ducker , George and Ben took grief and turned it into action with an epic 100k cycle on the Isle of Wight to raise money for men’s mental health. They battled hills, rain, darkness and tired legs, smashed their £1,000 target, and ended up raising £2,330 to support men who struggle in silence.

This wasn’t about bragging rights. It was about remembering a mate… starting conversations that matter… and backing a charity that actually moves the needle on male su***de prevention.

If you’re looking for a charity that turns energy into real support for men, give Tough To Talk your backing. Donate, fundraise, or share the mission - whatever you can do helps keep these conversations alive - because silence doesn’t save lives.

https://www.toughtotalk.com/post/riding-for-a-reason-a-100k-journey-for-men-s-mental-health

Riding for a Reason: A 100k Journey for Men's Mental Health

17/12/2025

Hold the front page: The government has finally realised men exist.

Apparently, there’s been a groundbreaking discovery in Westminster this month. After years of gentle hinting (and a lot of shouting), the powers that be have updated the Men’s Health Strategy.

The big revelation? If you want to talk to men about their mental health, you might actually have to go to where the men are.

Revolutionary, isn’t it?

Part of this masterplan involves partnering with the Premier League to bring mental health messaging to matchdays. Because, shocker: blokes are more likely to listen to a striker than a pamphlet in a GP waiting room.

And just yesterday, I saw “Project Man-Archy” (great name, by the way) in West Lancs get a funding boost to help men “take back control.” It’s about time.

But let’s strip away the sarcasm for a second.

The stats released this year are still grim. The su***de rate for men is three times that of women. If you’re a bloke between 50 and 54, you are statistically in the danger zone. That’s my generation. That’s your Dad, your boss, your best mate.

It’s great that the government is finally throwing £3.6m at this, but don’t wait for a politician to save your workforce.

If you’re a business leader, look at your wellbeing strategy. If it’s all scented candles and generic webinars, you’re missing the target.

We need real talk, in real language, in the places men actually hang out.

Let’s get tough, let’s get talking, and let’s stop treating male mental health like a tick-box exercise.

Reach out to me or the Tough To Talk team and we can help you changes male culture and support men.

WorkplaceWellbeing

17/11/2025

💬 A personal message from our Founder.

We're just five days away from our second annual Sounds of Support: Empowering Change Through Music event, and I wanted to share why this night means so much.

In the UK, su***de is the number one killer of men under 50. Every single day, families lose their fathers, brothers, and friends because they felt they had nowhere to turn. We created Tough To Talk to change that.

This event isn't just about the music. It's about creating a space for open conversations, breaking down stigmas, and ultimately, saving lives. I'll never forget the countless strangers who've shared heartbreaking stories of loved ones lost to su***de - far too many lives that could have been saved.

This event will help us raise not just awareness but also the critical funds we need to keep tackling the male su***de crisis head-on.

I’m incredibly proud to see this event brought to life by Witney Town FC and the amazing David Ashbourne, whose hard work has made it all possible.

Please join us and help fund our life-saving work.

📅 Saturday, 22nd November
📍 The Barn, The Red Lion, Witney
🎟️ Tickets: https://www.toughtotalk.com/event-details/sounds-of-support-empowering-change-through-music-2

Let’s make this an unforgettable night - for the music, for our community, and for the men who need us.

17/11/2025

We're proud to collaborate with Fight Station Kickboxing - Swadlincote for their Men's Release & Recharge event. It's time to fight back against stigma and land a blow for men's mental health.

This isn't just about talking. It's a space for men to release stress and reset their minds.

Hit the punch bags to let off steam.
Find calm with guided relaxation.
Connect over coffee and cake.

Join us to learn how to stay in the fight when life gets tough.

🗓 Sunday, 14th December
🕐 1pm – 3pm
📍 Fight Station, Swadlincote, DE11 9NR

This is a free event. Take the time for yourself - no pressure, no judgment.

Register for free: https://tinyurl.com/FreeMensReleaseRecharge-Event

14/11/2025

We’re thrilled to partner with Fight Station Kickboxing for this incredible Men’s Release & Recharge event! 🥊💙

This is exactly the kind of initiative that makes a real difference — creating a space where men can release stress, reset, and recharge in a supportive, no-pressure environment.

If you’re in the area, we’d love to see you there. Let’s break the stigma together, one punch (and one coffee) at a time. ☕🍰

💥 NEW PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT 💥

We’re proud to announce our partnership with Tough To Talk — a men’s mental health charity dedicated to destroying stigma and reducing male su***de.

They will be at our FREE Men’s Release & Recharge Event here at Fight Station 🥊

This isn’t your usual “talk about it” session.
It’s a space for men to release stress, reset their minds, and recharge — with...

✅ Punch bags to let off steam
✅ Guided relaxation to calm your thoughts
✅ Coffee, cake, and good conversation

🗓 Sunday 14th December
🕐 1pm – 3pm
📍 Fight Station, Cotton Transport, Swadlincote, DE11 9NR

Your mental health matters. Take time for yourself — no pressure, no judgement.
Join us for all or part of it. Just take this time for you.

🔗 Register free here 👇🏼 https://tinyurl.com/FreeMensReleaseRecharge-Event

🥊🖤🥊

13/11/2025

💬 "Take away the transness, the working-class background, the Essex lad and girl labels - I'm just Tate, first and foremost. I'm living proof that there is no one way to be a man."

This powerful snippet from our latest Man Behind the Mask interview with trans activist and writer Tate Smith is a must-watch. In this candid conversation, Tate shares his journey of self-discovery, breaking free from societal stereotypes, and redefining masculinity on his own terms.

Released in honour of Men's Health Month and Trans Awareness Week, this interview perfectly bridges the importance of both.

Men's Health Month reminds us to prioritise well-being and challenge the stigma around vulnerability, while Trans Awareness Week celebrates the resilience and contributions of the trans+ community. Tate’s story embodies both missions, offering inspiration and insight for anyone navigating identity, mental health, or societal expectations.

🎥 Catch the full interview to hear Tate’s thoughts on masculinity, mental health, and living authentically.

Watch the full interview here. https://youtu.be/YN-eXHmPR-E

Let’s continue the conversation about breaking barriers and fostering understanding.

11/11/2025

On Remembrance Day, we honour the courage of all who have served. But for many, the battle continues long after they return home.

The invisible wounds of conflict - like PTSD, anxiety, and depression - are a harsh reality for countless veterans. The transition to civilian life can be one of the most brutal fights, but it’s not one they have to face alone.

Support is available, and recovery is possible. If you or a veteran you know is struggling, reaching out is a sign of strength.

Find dedicated support from:
PTSD Resolution: 0300 302 0551
Combat Stress: 0800 138 1619
Op COURAGE (England): Specialist NHS services for veterans.

We are here to help you find the support you need. Visit our support pages for more resources.

10/11/2025

🎶 Sounds of Support – Empowering Change Through Music

📅 Saturday, 22 November 2025
🕒 3:00 PM – Midnight
📍 The Barn at The Red Lion, Witney, OX28 6DB
🎟️ Tickets: £15 (Early bird £10) – https://www.toughtotalk.com/event-details/sounds-of-support-empowering-change-through-music-2

Music has the power to bring people together – and this time, it’s for something truly meaningful. Join us for Sounds of Support, a full-day live music event raising awareness and funds for Tough To Talk, a charity dedicated to reducing male su***de.

This isn’t just a gig – it’s a movement. And it’s growing.

🔥 TWO STAGES. ONE PURPOSE.
Main Stage – Big sounds, bold performances, and unforgettable energy
Acoustic Stage (Bar) – Harmonies, good vibes, and intimate artist moments

Expect a stacked lineup of local legends, rising stars, and powerful performances – all in support of mental health and open conversations.

Brought to you by David Ashbourne & Witney Town Football Club, in support of Tough To Talk 💙

Let’s raise the roof – and raise awareness.

Join us for "Sounds of Support" at The Barn at the Red Lion Witney. Experience live bands and community spirit as we unite to tackle the male su***de crisis. Your ticket helps fund Tough To Talk, offering hope and support. Be part of this impactful day and make a difference.