My names Alan, and I am the Captain of Talk Club Devizes. I am 58, yes, I look older,  and that brings me to why now is I think right to take on this responsibility to Captain a Talk Club. As I’ve got older, I’ve found myself thinking a lot more about mental wellbeing and how much it matters. Life hasn’t always been easy—I’ve been through some tough and traumatic experiences that really shaped me. Those moments taught me something important: resilience isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential. And for men, having a space where we can talk openly and honestly is absolutely vital.

I’ve seen how easy it is for us to keep things bottled up, and I know first-hand the damage that can do. That’s why I’m here. I want to be part of a community where we can share what’s on our minds, and listen and reflect in a confidential, supportive group.