8 For A Mate
It starts with just 8 minutes.
Because 8 minutes can be the difference between “you alright?” and a real conversation. It’s enough time to properly check in, to listen, to notice – and short enough that anyone can make it happen.
Too often, we assume our mates are fine. We keep things surface level. This campaign is about changing that.
Because too many men struggle in silence.
And too often, we don’t know how to start the conversation.
8 For A Mate is about making it normal to show up for each other - with honesty, curiosity, and empathy.
The idea
What is the campaign?
We’re asking people to take the idea of 8 minutes and turn it into something bigger.
That could be:
- 8 minutes for a proper chat
- 8 miles with a mate
- 8 challenges in a week
- 8 teammates, 8 conversations
There’s no right way — just your way. Whether you’re part of a team, a workplace, or a group of mates, this is your reason to connect.
Choose your 8, it’s not about doing something massive. It’s about doing something meaningful. 8 for a Mate creates that environment.
It might be: 8 miles, 8 kilometres, or 8 laps | 8 days of movement | 8 check-ins with friends | Or 8 moments where you choose to reach out
There’s no pressure to be fast, competitive, or perfect. This isn’t about personal bests — it’s about being present. how you’ll take part. Move your body, make time, or reach out — your 8, your way.
How it works
The 8 For A Mate Playbook
There’s no playbook for problems in life…
Well, there is now.
The 8 For A Mate Playbook is built around 16 simple tips to help a mate feel seen and heard.
It’s grounded in:
- Empathy – understanding how someone feels
- Curiosity – asking, not assuming
- Connection – being present, not perfect
- Having a laugh – Knowing what means most to your mate
These aren’t just “nice ideas” — they’re practical tools that can genuinely change a mate’s life.
But here’s the key:
It’s not about learning all 16 and trying to use them at once.
It’s about:
- Taking one tip at a time
- Practising it in real moments
- Using it when a mate needs it most
And the impact doesn’t stop there.
These skills can also transform:
- How you understand yourself
- How you communicate with the people around you
- How you make sense of your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviours
How to get involved
- Pick your 8 – make it personal
- Grab a mate (or 8) – do it together
- Give your 8 minutes – start the conversation
- Use the Playbook – try one tip, not all – Download here
- Share it – inspire others to show up
At its heart, 8 for a Mate is a reminder that:
- It’s OK to not be OK
- It’s OK to ask how someone really is
- And it’s powerful to do things together
Every step, mile, or moment supports our wider mission to tackle loneliness, build connection, and make mental health conversations feel normal — not awkward.
How it works
The 8 For A Mate Playbook
There’s no playbook for problems in life…
Well, there is now.
The 8 For A Mate Playbook is built around 16 simple tips to help a mate feel seen and heard.
It’s grounded in:
- Empathy – understanding how someone feels
- Curiosity – asking, not assuming
- Connection – being present, not perfect
- Having a laugh – Knowing what means most to your mate
These aren’t just “nice ideas” — they’re practical tools that can genuinely change a mate’s life.
But here’s the key:
It’s not about learning all 16 and trying to use them at once.
It’s about:
- Taking one tip at a time
- Practising it in real moments
- Using it when a mate needs it most
And the impact doesn’t stop there.
These skills can also transform:
- How you understand yourself
- How you communicate with the people around you
- How you make sense of your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviours
How to get involved
- Pick your 8 – make it personal
- Grab a mate (or 8) – do it together
- Give your 8 minutes – start the conversation
- Use the Playbook – try one tip, not all – Download here
- Share it – inspire others to show up
At its heart, 8 for a Mate is a reminder that:
- It’s OK to not be OK
- It’s OK to ask how someone really is
- And it’s powerful to do things together
Every step, mile, or moment supports our wider mission to tackle loneliness, build connection, and make mental health conversations feel normal — not awkward.
The Purpose
Why it matters
Connection doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes it just takes a few minutes of real attention.
When we give that time, we create space for people to feel seen, heard, and understood. And that can genuinely change — or even save — a life.
Choose your mate/s
Do it with someone, for someone, or in memory of someone.
Let them know they matter.
Sign up & take action
Register your challenge, get your resources, and be part of a community choosing connection over silence.
Share your 8
Talk about it. Post it. Start the conversation. You never know who needs to see it.
Tag – @8foramate @speakeasyclub1 #8foramate #speakeasyclub #lookaftertheboys
Taking place on: Friday 24th April 2026 (1–4pm) at Smash Padel, Llandaff Fields, Cardif
The 8 For A Mate Playbook is a practical guide built around 16 simple tips to help you make a mate feel truly seen and heard — grounded in empathy, curiosity, connection, and knowing how to share a laugh.
The idea isn’t to master all 16 at once, but to pick one tip, practise it in real moments, and use it when it matters most. These skills don’t just help your mates — they’ll transform how you understand yourself and the people around you.
Get involved by picking your 8 minutes, grabbing a mate, and starting a conversation. Because it’s OK to not be OK, it’s OK to ask how someone really is, and every step you take helps tackle loneliness, build connection, and make mental health conversations feel normal — not awkward.
Taking place on: Friday 24th April 2026 (1–4pm) at Smash Padel, Llandaff Fields, Cardif
The 8 For A Mate Playbook is a practical guide built around 16 simple tips to help you make a mate feel truly seen and heard — grounded in empathy, curiosity, connection, and knowing how to share a laugh.
The idea isn’t to master all 16 at once, but to pick one tip, practise it in real moments, and use it when it matters most. These skills don’t just help your mates — they’ll transform how you understand yourself and the people around you.
Get involved by picking your 8 minutes, grabbing a mate, and starting a conversation. Because it’s OK to not be OK, it’s OK to ask how someone really is, and every step you take helps tackle loneliness, build connection, and make mental health conversations feel normal — not awkward.