ManKind was founded in June 2025 by James Gossage after recognising a gap in support for men across the railway industry. Having spent much of his career in frontline roles, including as a Police Officer and later within the rail industry, James repeatedly saw men carrying the weight of stress, grief, relationship breakdowns, financial pressures, loneliness, burnout and poor mental health in silence. Many appeared to be coping on the surface, yet behind the humour, resilience and professionalism were struggles they often felt unable to talk about. James recognised that whilst support existed, many men were not accessing it. What was missing was a space where men felt comfortable enough to start the conversation. ManKind was created to change that.
Launched as LNER’s men’s network, ManKind was built to provide a safe, supportive and non judgemental environment where men could have honest conversations about life, mental health, fatherhood, relationships, identity, wellbeing and the pressures many face but rarely discuss. From the beginning, ManKind has been built on inclusion. Membership is open to everyone and women are actively encouraged to join. Many women support, live with, work alongside and care about the men in their lives, making their voices and perspectives invaluable. The network works closely with LNER’s women’s network, Empower, and actively champions all employee networks, recognising that meaningful inclusion happens when networks support one another rather than operate in isolation. Since its launch, ManKind has become one of LNER’s most visible and impactful staff networks. The network has delivered awareness campaigns, guest speaker events, wellbeing initiatives, workshops, quizzes, community activities and peer support opportunities designed to encourage connection, reduce stigma and create a culture where people feel safe to speak openly. One of its most significant achievements has been the development of the ManKind Mental Health Toolkit, a practical resource specifically designed for frontline colleagues and managers. Covering anxiety, depression, burnout, grief, trauma, fatigue and suicide prevention, the toolkit provides practical guidance on recognising signs, supporting others and accessing help.
What has made ManKind different is its focus on real stories rather than simply raising awareness. During campaigns such as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, International Men’s Day and Suicide Prevention Day, the network moved beyond posters and corporate messaging by encouraging colleagues to share their lived experiences. Men spoke openly about cancer diagnoses, mental health struggles, bereavement, suicide loss and recovery. The impact was immediate and powerful. Colleagues reported booking health checks they had been putting off, speaking to their GP, accessing support services and opening up to friends, family and colleagues for the first time. By putting real people at the heart of these campaigns, ManKind helped turn awareness into action. The network has also led campaigns focusing on men’s mental health, stress awareness, psychological safety, hidden health challenges and healthy habits. Through articles, events and personal storytelling, ManKind has encouraged thousands of conversations that may never otherwise have happened. In 2025, ManKind launched Men for Miles, a wellbeing challenge designed to improve both physical and mental health through movement and connection. More than 700 colleagues took part, collectively walking over 68 million steps during the month of May. The challenge not only encouraged healthier lifestyles but also strengthened connections across teams and locations. As a result of the initiative, ManKind donated £1,000 to Men’s Sheds, supporting their work tackling loneliness and social isolation within communities. The impact of ManKind now extends far beyond LNER. The network has shared learning and best practice across the rail industry, helping inspire conversations and initiatives within organisations including Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express and Transport for Wales. Through speaking engagements, collaboration and the sharing of resources, ManKind is helping shape how organisations approach men’s wellbeing. Its influence has also reached local communities. Inspired by the work of ManKind, Deputy Chair Adrian Bayne established a community men’s group in Chester le Street. The group meets weekly and provides a safe and welcoming space for local men to connect, talk openly and support one another. At its heart, ManKind is about giving men permission to be human. What began as a conversation in June 2025 has grown into a movement that is helping men feel less alone, creating stronger connections, encouraging earlier intervention and helping build healthier workplaces and communities. Through openness, compassion and action, ManKind is creating lasting cultural change within LNER, across the railway industry and beyond.
ManKind | London, UK
