About Heart Space and Our Founder, Ben Bidwell (The Naked Professor)
We started Heart Space because we saw a gap in the conversation around men’s mental health in the UK. Too many men were struggling in silence, particularly with complex issues like gambling addiction, without a dedicated space to connect and find a path forward. That’s why we built this community.
Our Mission: Why Heart Space Exists
We exist to break the stigma around men’s mental health in the UK, providing a safe, anonymous space for men to share and heal, inspired by the work of CALM and Andy’s Man Club but with a specific focus on behavioural addictions. Our goal is to foster genuine connection and practical change.
The UK’s Mental Health Gap for Men
Despite growing awareness, a significant gap remains in support tailored for men. While the NHS Long Term Plan includes expanding mental health services, many men still find traditional routes daunting. Organisations like CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) provide a crucial helpline for men, and we aim to complement this with ongoing, peer-driven community support.
A Community Built on Shared Experience
Heart Space is founded on the principle that shared experience is a powerful healer. You’re not just reading articles; you’re connecting with men who truly understand the struggle, creating a unique solidarity that drives real behavioural change.
Our Editorial Focus: Real Talk on Gambling Addiction and Behavioural Change
Our content tackles the hard truths of gambling addiction, using insights from the UK’s National Problem Gambling Clinic and the latest behavioural science, while also covering broader men’s mental health topics like stress, relationships, and purpose.
Gambling Addiction: The UK’s Hidden Crisis
This is a pressing issue for UK men. The UK Gambling Commission reports over 246,000 problem gamblers, a figure that likely hides a much larger group at risk. Our editorial team provides clear, evidence-based content that demystifies addiction, drawing on resources like The National Problem Gambling Clinic in London to offer hope and direction.
Beyond Addiction: Holistic Mental Health for Men
Recovery is about more than stopping a behaviour; it’s about building a better life. Our coverage extends to:
- Managing stress and anxiety
- Navigating relationship challenges
- Rediscovering purpose and identity
We believe in addressing the whole person, not just the addiction.
Our Team Approach: How We Support Your Journey
Led by Ben Bidwell (The Naked Professor), our team combines lived experience with professional insight, offering a blend of peer support, expert articles, and practical tools for change, all within a private, moderated community.
The Naked Professor’s Story: From Addiction to Advocacy
Our founder, Ben Bidwell, brings a powerful personal narrative. His journey from the depths of gambling addiction to becoming a leading advocate—work featured on BBC Radio 5 Live—informs everything we do. As ‘The Naked Professor’, he champions radical honesty, stripping back the ego to confront truths and foster growth.
A Multi-Faceted Support System
Your journey is supported by a multi-layered approach:
- Peer Community: A private, moderated forum for anonymous sharing.
- Expert-Led Content: Articles and tools from our editorial team grounded in real experience and research.
- Practical Pathways: Strategies for behavioural change that you can apply daily.
We invite you to join our community and take that first, courageous step towards change. At Heart Space, you are not alone. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier future.