More than motors: How car meets are helping men open up about mental health
‘Coffee and Cars’ events give petrolheads a relaxed space to connect and support one another
A Northamptonshire motoring enthusiast is using a shared passion for cars to encourage men to talk more openly about their mental health.
Lewis Warren, 33, from Brixworth, runs monthly Coffee and Cars meets through his community brand, Takona. The events take place at locations across the UK, including Gasoline Juice in Weedon Bec, on the second Sunday of every month.
Warren said the meet-ups were designed to bring people together through a common interest, with conversations often extending beyond cars.
"Cars are the launchpad," he said.
"It's much easier to go from talking about cars to asking someone how life is going than it is to start a conversation about mental health straight away."
Takona began as a clothing brand but has since expanded into a wider community that includes a podcast and a network of car meets nationwide.
Warren said the initiative was partly inspired by concerns about the high rates of suicide among men and the difficulties many face when discussing their feelings.
"Most automotive enthusiasts are blokes, and blokes can often struggle to talk about their mental health."
"Starting those conversations is usually the hardest part. We use something people are already comfortable talking about and let the conversation develop naturally."
Despite its focus on wellbeing, Warren stressed the events were first and foremost informal social gatherings.
"This is a car meet, not a mental health meet," he said.
"You can turn up, look at some interesting cars, have a coffee and enjoy a nice morning out.
"If conversations go deeper, that's great, but there's absolutely no pressure."
He said attendees had responded positively, with some telling him the meetings had helped them feel less isolated.
"We've had people say our car meet was the only reason they left the house that month outside of work."
"It gave them a chance to enjoy their passion, make new connections and feel part of a community."
The 33-year-old said the car community had played an important role in supporting his own mental wellbeing and helping him build lasting friendships.
"Meeting up for a coffee and a catch-up can make such a huge difference and make a massive problem seem much more manageable."
While the events encourage conversation and connection, Warren said anyone experiencing serious mental health difficulties should seek support from professional services.
Looking ahead, he hopes to continue growing Takona, expand its community events and relaunch its podcast in a new video format.
"We're just trying to encourage more people to talk to each other," he said. "It's a simple idea, but it can make a big difference."
For urgent mental health support, call Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. In an emergency, or if someone's life is at immediate risk, call 999