When it comes to tackling the silent crisis of men’s mental health, one local initiative has become a crucial lifeline for men in and around Dorchester. Over the past year, Matt Garner, Consultant Director here at Litmus FM, has served as co-captain of Talk Club Dorchester, a community group rooted in one simple, powerful idea: men need a safe, informal space where they can talk honestly about how they’re feeling -without fear, judgment, or stigma.

Why Talk Club matters

Talk Club is a UK men’s mental health charity helping men improve their mental fitness. We call it mental fitness because our talking groups actively help men understand how they feel.

Every session starts with one simple question: “How are you? Out of 10?” Men then explain their number, building awareness, openness, and resilience. The results are measurable.The crisis in men’s mental health is real and growing:‍

• ‍Scale: Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50.
• Demographic: Men are three to four times more likely to die by suicidet han women.
• Key Factors: Contributing factors include mental health struggles,societal pressures, rigid gender roles (‘toxic masculinity’), and a stigma surrounding discussing mental health issues.

‍On average, a Talk Club session increases a man’s mental fitness by more than 15%.

For many men, societal expectations, entrenched ideas about masculinity, and a reluctance to talk about inner struggles can prevent them from reaching out for support. Talk Club aims to change that by creating a space where men feel comfortable, welcome,and heard.

What happens at Talk ClubD orchester

Talk Club Dorchester runs weekly meetings in a local pub and everyone over the age of 18 is welcome. It’s this informal atmosphere, that helps strip away barriers and encourages honest conversation.

Matt shares: “Every week we meet in a pub - just a group of blokes having a chat. We liken it to going to the gym for your mental health- you turn up, put in the effort, and over time you feel stronger for it. For many of us, Talk Club isn’t just a meeting; it’s something we genuinely look forward to.

“In a culture where many men still feel pressure to ‘just get on with it’, Talk Club Dorchester offers an alternative - a weekly space to talk and build connection. I find it incredibly fulfilling to be involved and build my own mental resilience.”

Great stuff Matt.
The Litmus FM Team