Frequently Asked Questions
General
How do I know if my club is still happening?
Visit your group’s page on our website. On the right-hand side, under Frequency, if the status says CLOSED, the group is not running or has been cancelled for that session.
Can I just turn up?
Yes. There’s no need to book for most Talk and Listen groups. You’ll be welcomed by our volunteer facilitators, known as Talk Club Captains, who will explain how everything works.
Are the groups free to attend?
All Talk and Listen groups are free to attend.
Some Talk and Exercise groups, such as Talk and Football, have a small participation fee. Please contact the Captain before attending to find out how to join and whether there are any costs.
Is Talk Club right for me?
Talk Club offers peer support through structured conversations and exercise. Our groups are not therapy.
A good way to decide is to ask yourself:
“How are you? Out of 10?”
If you’re regularly scoring 5 or below, you may benefit from our Therapy Groups or one-to-one counselling alongside or before attending a Talk Club group.
If you’re ever unsure, please get in touch, and we’ll help you find the right support.
Who can attend?
Our community groups are for adults. Most Talk Clubs are for men, although some groups are open to everyone. Please check the individual group page for details before attending.
Do I have to speak?
No. You’re welcome to listen if that’s all you feel comfortable doing. Many people say very little during their first session. There’s never any pressure to share more than you want to.
Is everything confidential?
Yes. We ask everyone attending to respect each other’s privacy and keep what is shared within the group confidential. This helps create a safe, non-judgmental space for everyone.
What happens at a Talk Club?
Each session follows the same simple structure. Everyone answers the question:
“How are you? Out of 10?”
at the beginning and again at the end of the session. This helps members understand and track their mental fitness over time.
Can I bring a friend?
Absolutely. Many people come along with a friend for their first session if it helps them feel more comfortable.
Do I need to attend every week?
No. You’re welcome to attend as often or as little as you like. Many members come weekly, while others attend whenever they feel they need the support.
Therapy
What’s the difference between Talk Club and therapy?
Talk Club groups are peer support groups led by trained volunteer Captains. They are not therapy sessions.
Our Talking Therapies service is led by qualified or trainee counsellors and provides professional therapeutic support for those who need it.
How do I access therapy?
Visit our Talking Therapies page to find out about our therapy groups and one-to-one counselling, or contact us if you’re unsure which option is best for you.
The Talk Club App
What does the app do?
The Talk Club app helps you build your mental fitness by checking in every day with the question:
“How are you? Out of 10?”
You can track your scores over time, spot patterns in your wellbeing, and build healthy mental fitness habits.
Is the app free?
Yes. The Talk Club app is free to download and use.
Safety
What if I’m in crisis?
Talk Club is not a crisis service.
If you feel you are at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, please call 999 or go to your nearest Accident & Emergency department.
If you need urgent mental health support but are not in immediate danger, please contact your GP or your local NHS mental health crisis service as soon as possible.
Do I need to register to attend?
For most Talk and Listen groups, no registration is needed—you can simply turn up. Some groups may ask you to book or contact the Captain beforehand, so it’s always worth checking the individual group page before attending.
How old do I need to be to attend?
Most Talk Club groups are for adults aged 18 and over. If you’re looking for support for someone under 18, please get in touch, and we’ll do our best to point you towards appropriate services.
Is it men only?
Most Talk Club groups are for men, as we’re focused on improving men’s mental fitness. However, we also have some mixed groups and workplace groups that are open to everyone. Please check the individual group page to see who the group is for.
How long does a Talk Club session last?
Most Talk and Listen sessions last around 90 minutes. The length of Talk and Exercise sessions varies by activity, so please check the individual group page for details.
