New men’s mental health support groups are set to launch in Cheltenham and Gloucester this spring, as local entrepreneur Nick Martindale unveils BoyTalk.
Kicking off in April 2026, the initiative will establish peer-led support sessions in both areas, offering what Nick describes as a ‘no-nonsense’ space for men to confront the challenges they often face alone.
The idea for BoyTalk was shaped by Nick’s own experiences with depression and the impact of suicide within his close circle. He says the organisation is rooted in the belief that men should not have to ‘navigate their silence alone’ and aims to challenge what he calls the ‘man-up’ culture that encourages men to suppress their emotions.
'Depression is sh*t. There’s no poetic way to put it,' Nick said, describing it as a ‘miserable, soul-sucking experience’ that has claimed several of his friends’ lives. He added that while he was supported by friends and family, many men do not have that safety net and are left facing their struggles in isolation.
BoyTalk’s sessions are free to attend and open to all men. Unlike more clinical environments, the groups are designed to feel warm and down-to-earth, built on three core principles: confidentiality, no judgement and no advice-giving, with a focus on listening rather than offering unsolicited fixes.
The Gloucestershire launch marks the first phase of a wider national ambition, with plans to scale BoyTalk into a registered charity operating in more locations across the UK. Alongside support circles, the organisation hopes to build community through social events, sport and walk-and-talk initiatives.
In Cheltenham, sessions will take place at Oliver’s Bar on the last Tuesday of the month at 7pm, with Gloucester meetings at Oliver’s Bar on the last Sunday of the month at 11am.
