Tough To Talk

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.

28/10/2025

💙 Help us make a bigger impact - nominate Tough To Talk today!

The Movement for Good Awards by Benefact Group is donating over £1 million to charities and good causes this year - and YOU can help us secure vital funding.

It’s simple:
✅ Click this link → https://movementforgood.com/
✅ Nominate Tough To Talk
✅ Share this post and encourage others to do the same

Every nomination counts. Every pound helps us continue our mission to reduce male su***de and transform workplace culture.

Let’s make this happen together.

Because every conversation matters and every life matters.

Nominate a charity for a Movement for Good award now.

27/10/2025

Culture change isn’t a buzzword; it’s a blueprint.

At Tough To Talk, we don’t just talk about men’s mental health. We partner with you to transform workplaces from the inside out with our Roadmap to Success:
✅ Leadership engagement
✅ Identifying Tough Talkers
✅ Team awareness sessions
✅ Data-driven reporting
✅ Continuous improvement
This isn’t theory - it’s proven.

Organisations like Balfour Beatty VINCI and the UK Atomic Energy Authority have seen measurable results:
📉 Reduced absenteeism
📈 Increased morale and trust
💬 Real conversations that save lives

If your current wellbeing strategy feels reactive, it’s time to go proactive.

Let’s build a culture where men feel safe, supported, and heard - top-down and bottom-up.

📧 talk@toughtotalk.com
🔗 http://www.toughtotalk.com

24/10/2025

Prevention is better than a cure.

Imagine a tool for men that doesn’t just reduce the risk of poor mental health - or worse - but helps them achieve more, feel stronger, and live happier.

That’s why we’re proud to partner with Mettle—a mental fitness app built exclusively for men.
✅ Science-backed tools
✅ Expert coaching (yes, even from Bear Grylls!)
✅ Practical steps for better sleep, less stress, and more confidence

And here’s the important part:
We’re not paid for this endorsement. We partner because we share the same mission - reach as many men as possible, improve their lives, and be there as a safety net when they need support. We love this app.

If you’re one of our existing partners and want to offer Mettle as an employee benefit, reach out to us today.

🔗 Learn more about Mettle: https://bemettle.com/
📧 talk@toughtotalk.com

20/10/2025

The recent, tragic passing of Ricky Hatton has highlighted a critical issue: the words used by the media and influencers when discussing su***de have immense power.

They can either deepen the pain for those who are struggling or guide them toward life-saving support.

Reporting on su***de requires care and responsibility. To help, we've created a free guide for media professionals and influencers on how to cover this sensitive topic safely.

Read our article on the impact of reporting and download your free guidelines here: https://www.toughtotalk.com/post/media-s-influence-on-su***de-a-call-for-responsibility

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17/10/2025

📘 Something powerful is coming in January 2026.

The Journal for Young Men is launching soon - a structured, mentor-led tool designed to help boys and young men reflect, grow, and take action in their lives.
🧠 Mental health
💪 Physical wellbeing
💬 Relationships
🎓 Learning & working
💷 Financial health

This isn’t just a journal - it’s a journey. And we want you to be part of it.

🎯 Subscribe to our newsletter and join Tough To Talk as a member today via our website to get exclusive updates, early access, and insights into how this tool can support the young men in your organisation or community.

Let’s build a future where help feels possible.
🔗 www.toughtotalk.com
📧 talk@toughtotalk.com