ABCUL Supports Men’s Mental Health Month with Special Webinar Series

Friday 28 November 2025

ABCUL marked Men’s Mental Health Month this November by hosting a dedicated series of webinars for member credit unions, shining a light on the unique challenges men face around mental wellbeing. Across four sessions held throughout the month, ABCUL Member Relationship Manager Andrew Nadan welcomed mental health specialists and advocates to share insight, lived experience, and practical guidance with the movement.

Speakers from Manchester Mind, Talk Club, and Andy’s Man Club came together to explore why men are disproportionately affected by mental health disorders, how symptoms commonly manifest, and the barriers that prevent many from seeking support. The conversations examined the power of peer groups, the importance of meaningful connection, and the role workplaces can play in creating environments where men feel safe to talk. Contributors also shared their own professional and personal journeys, highlighting how open dialogue, community support and early intervention can lead to positive change.

The series heard from Ben Akers, filmmaker and founder of Talk Club, who discussed the charity’s growth from a small Bristol pub to more than 130 groups across the UK and reflected on the experiences that shaped his mission.

Ben Akers, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Talk Club, said: “We exist because suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK. Seventy-six percent of UK suicides are male. A man in the UK takes his own life every two hours.

“Talk Club wants to change this. We focus on the prevention of mental ill health to help men get mentally fit. Because if you’re mentally fit, you can be mentally strong. We do this by creating a talking – and listening – community where it’s acceptable for men to be vulnerable in a safe space.

“From Talk & Exercise groups like Talk & Football, Talk & Running and Talk & Skating, men say their number and why, play their sport, and check out. It’s a light touch, getting blokes used to the idea of numbers and mental fitness.”

Attendees also benefited from an impactful session with Peter Abbott, Mental Health Awareness Trainer at Manchester Mind, who brought both professional expertise and lived experience to his discussion on anxiety, depression and workplace wellbeing.

Reflecting on the month-long initiative, Member Relationship Manager Andrew Nadan said it was vital that ABCUL continues to raise awareness of men’s mental health—both across the credit union sector and in everyday life. Andrew said: “Men’s Mental Health Month is an important reminder that these conversations matter in every workplace and every home. Raising awareness isn’t something we recognise only once a year – it’s an ongoing commitment for all of us. Hosting this series allowed ABCUL to shine a light on the challenges men face and the support available.

“We were pleased to bring our credit union community together to hear from experts leading change in this space. I’m grateful to our speakers for their honesty and expertise, and to our members for engaging so openly throughout the series.”

Further information

If you’re male and over 18 and interested in setting up or joining the community, visit TalkClub.org or email hello@TalkClub.org.
If you represent a business interested in becoming a mentally fit workplace (for men and women) or would like information on workshops or Captains’ training, email Business@TalkClub.org.

TalkClub.org
@TalkClubCharity

Useful links:
TED Talk: https://youtu.be/Y9FEQYp1imc
“What is Talk Club” animation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8s6IJUd4I4
Business support: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcQJeMaIORk
2 Hours campaign: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/2hoursfortalkclub