Closeness should feel good, yet for plenty of men it is where anger, jealousy or shutting-down first show. In this men-only hour James Elliott MSc digs into the hidden pressures that can poison a relationship long before a row starts – fear of failure, money worries, being “the strong one”.

We were asked to front a men’s group on the 17th May, as part of Sugar House Island’s week-long Mental Health Awareness Week programme, running Monday, 12 May to Sunday, 18 May. On the Saturday, it is just us, Dan and Jack, sitting down with whoever turns up, to talk about the stuff lads usually keep to themselves

MANUP? is heading to Sizewell C, the new nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast, after an invitation from its Maintenance Department to run two private on-site sessions. Male-dominated environments can be the hardest places to speak openly about mental health. Our goal is to get men talking while showing colleagues, partners and managers what stops a man from engaging in the first place.

This men-only session, hosted by James Elliott (MSc), will explore the science behind habits, why some stick while others fail, and how to rewire your routine to support the life you actually want. No motivational fluff—just practical, evidence-based ways to build better habits that actually last.

We’re heading back to London.

This time, it’s not just Liverpool Street. We’ll be moving through different parts of the city, speaking to men about mental health.

In this session, James Davies will break down the shifts in a man's life—stress, values, purpose, andropause—without the usual “midlife crisis” clichés. This isn't about fast cars or impulse decisions. It’s about understanding why things might feel different and what we can do.

We’re taking over the Barley Mow (cheers, Micheal!) for an evening that’s not about buzzwords or hashtags—it’s about blokes talking, properly.

In this men-only session, James Elliott (MSc) will cut through the nonsense and show you how simple, real-world mindfulness techniques can help with stress, productivity, and emotional control—without needing to ‘find your inner peace’.

This men-only session, hosted by James Elliott (MSc), will explore the science behind habits, why some stick while others fail, and how to rewire your routine to support the life you actually want. No motivational fluff—just practical, evidence-based ways to build better habits that actually last.

"I’ll be talking about the stigma that still clings to men’s mental health, the desperate need for proper male role models, and why we must show men they’re wanted before the damage is done. This isn’t about 'fixing men' – it’s about fixing a culture that tells them to stay silent."

MANUP? has been invited to join OVERWHELM, a powerful theatre production that explores addiction, co-dependence, and online radicalisation—hard-hitting topics that too often go unspoken.

We keep hearing “men need to talk more,” yet many bosses whinge that their male employees never come forward with problems. Here’s a wake-up call: men are talking—they’re just not talking to you. Maybe it’s not the men who need to change; maybe it’s the environment they’re in. Harold Floyd from Elite Force Safety will call this out head-on, exposing why men often bypass the boss and who really needs to step up if we want genuine openness around mental health in the workplace.

This men-only session, hosted by James Elliott (MSc), will explore the real reasons why so many men struggle with suicidal thoughts and what actually helps—not just for those going through it, but for their mates, family, and support networks. There’s no judgement, no lectures—just a space where men can talk, listen, and learn how to help themselves or someone else before it’s too late.

This men-only session, led by James Elliott (MSc), will explore what emotional intelligence really means and how it can help you in relationships, work, and life. You’ll walk away with practical tools to help you manage emotions, understand what triggers certain reactions, and build resilience in the face of stress.

We’re coming back to Liverpool Street.

Following the impact of our last visit, we’re hitting the streets again—no stage, no microphones, just raw, real conversations.

In this men-only session, James Elliott (MSc) will break down why we experience pressure, how it affects our mental resilience, and what practical steps we can take to stop it from overwhelming us. This is not about ‘coping mechanisms’ or toxic positivity—it’s about understanding what’s really happening in your mind and body when you’re under stress and how to handle it before it takes control of you.

Who are you beyond the roles you play – father, partner, friend, employee? This session focuses on exploring identity and personality, helping men get a clearer sense of who they are at their core.

Domestic violence and abuse affect countless men, but the silence surrounding their experiences often leaves them without the support they need. Why don’t men report abuse or speak out? What barriers prevent them from seeking help?

In a society where reactions are often instant and emotions run high, practising self-control can feel like an uphill battle.

Stress is a universal challenge, but men often face unique pressures that can make managing it especially tough. In this session, led by James Elliott (MSc), we’ll dive into practical techniques for recognising, managing, and ultimately reducing stress.

Mental health isn’t only about our own struggles; it’s also about understanding and supporting those around us.

We were honoured to be invited by Jacqui, Project Coordinator for the MHFA Ireland and An Garda Síochána programme, to contribute to their upcoming Train the Trainer course.

Ever wonder why some life needs feel more pressing than others? This session will explore Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, a model that breaks down human necessities into a structure of priorities, from basic survival to personal growth.

Next Wednesday, Dan, our CEO, will be speaking to students at Hills Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge. The talk will focus on the importance of having open conversations with men about life’s challenges, emphasising the value of both speaking and truly listening.

Join us for this critical knowledge-sharing event, hosted by MANUP? and Dr Susie Bennett, whose groundbreaking research we are directly funding. The event will present the latest research into male suicide, offering vital insights into why men die by suicide and how we can work more effectively with men who are suicidal.

Message from Dan - As the CEO of MANUP?, I’m always looking for ways to bring valuable insights to our community. That’s why I’ve invited Joe Ball to speak with us. Joe is someone I’ve respected for years—not just for his expertise, but for his no-nonsense approach to mental well-being.