MEET THE TEAM

CEO & Founder

MANUP? started after Dan learned of The Prodigy’s member Keith Flint’s death. Daniel had previously DJ’d with Keith and it was only when Daniel heard of his death that he realised how many men’s funerals he’d attended. Something needed to change, MANUP? was born, originally as an annual event. Dan deals with the everyday running of MANUP?

Brand Director

Steve has over 15 years of experience designing and developing brands. It is this experience Dan called on to help develop the MANUP? brand. While Steve won't take credit, he was the first person to help Dan when MANUP? was planned to be a one-off event, just a one-off idea to help break the stigma with men's mental health. 

Team Member

I’m a freelance videographer focused on the outdoor community, which has taken me all over. A project on suicide opened my eyes. Every man I interviewed refused to talk, especially on camera. It hit me how bad things were. I ran a fundraiser and that’s how I first got involved with MANUP? nearly four years ago. 

Volunteer

I’m a keen outdoor and bushcraft advocate and I support MANUP? because I believe no man should feel alone in silence. Their work to break stigma, encourage open conversations, and provide vital support is essential in helping men feel seen, heard, and supported when it matters most.

Volunteer

Lover of all things camping, hiking and bushcraft, MANUP? gave me the confidence to speak openly without fear of judgement in a crowd and refined the knowledge of how we as men can provide support to each other.

Volunteer

I am an ex soldier who has experienced loss of close friends in both Iraq and Afghanistan, I love being outdoors and am passionate about camping and walking. I believe that everyone should have the chance to speak to someone, and not feel like they are being judged.

Volunteer

I’m a father of two who’s trying to learn what it is to be my own person again. MANUP? Has given me the outlet to do so. As a man, realising its ok to prioritise my mental health and be vocal about the importance of it is a new concept to me. I have MANUP? To be grateful for that.

Volunteer

The outdoors has always been where I feel most at home. Hiking, camping, fishing, and bushcraft help me switch off and recharge. MANUP! has given me the chance to meet incredible people, be myself without fear of judgement, and realise that opening up about mental health isn't a weakness, it’s a strength. I'm proud to be part of this community.”

Team member

James Elliott MSc is a psychotherapist and resilience coach, a fellow of the ACCPH, head of psychotherapy for the Serena clinic Harley street and author of best selling book “think yourself resilient”. James utilises his considerable experiences from poverty to high performance within both the military and sport to create relatable and effective resilience based therapies, focusing on creating solutions and empowerment. His work has been used by Paralympians, special forces, MMA fighters, police officers, NATO headquarters and fitness industry coaches worldwide.

Team member

Dr Andreas Culora is a social researcher and data scientist with a PhD in housing and social policy. He has designed and delivered research for organisations including the Department for Education, the Home Office and the Education Endowment Foundation, applying rigorous methods to understand 'what works' in tackling complex social challenges. His work has focused on issues including mental health, serious violence and inequalities in education. Andreas is committed to building evidence to improve men’s mental health and address the unique challenges facing boys and men in modern society.

Team Member

With over 20 years of clinical experience as a Mental Health Professional, Alex has helped thousands find their way back from life’s toughest moments. As a survivor of domestic and sexual abuse, emotional neglect, and the traumatic loss of his mum to murder when he was only 8 years old, he brings raw honesty and deep compassion to everything he does.

Now as a registered practitioner, trainer, facilitator and speaker on Mental Health, suicide/self-harm prevention and working with emotions, he blends lived experience with professional insight to teach others how to build real resilience in the modern world so they can transform their lives for the better.

Team member

Ben Driver is an experienced creative facilitator, curator and events coordinator. As Director of Guy Cry Club CIC they diversify the ongoing dialogue on masculinity and mental health through promoting the use of art as a means of self-expression. By providing a platform for others to share their voices, leading workshops and breaking down any barriers to an individual's access to the arts, Ben gives space for others to explore their own creativity, guide them in using art as a tool for maintaining a healthy mind or to simply play.

Ben has been leading creative sessions as part of the MANUP? Mountain camps, inviting participants to explore how they can incorporate creativity in their day to day lives.

Chair of the Board of Trustees

A proud cancer survivor, and past British Siberian Husky Racing champion. Steve is acutely aware of the mental pressure that people can put upon themselves, not only to be the best in top-level competition, but also when mental control of a situation seems to be rapidly fading. These very personal experiences make him proud to be part of the changes driven by the MANUP? team.

Trustee

Dots career, in excess of 40 years, has been spent working in a wide range of clinical and managerial positions within the NHS.

It is from this time that Dot has developed a passion for and commitment to those who experience mental health challenges and all who are subsequently affected by them. Dot is currently undertaking the role of a trustee with local charities and pleased to offer her knowledge and expertise as a trustee.

Trustee

During half a century in and around the legal profession Len has witnessed and at times experienced first hand the struggles that mental health can bring and no one is immune. Experience gained from setting up and running his own law firm, and then quality assuring a multi million pound national licensing exam will not be lost in retirement but applied to help MANUP?

Trustee (safeguarding)

I am a manager in the civil service, with 7 years experience. I am based primarily in safety; helping to manage individuals at risk of suicide and self-harm.
Personally, I have used running and physical challenges to manage my own depression, and i have been a big proponent for men’s mental health, using social media to spread awareness and motivation.
MANUP? provides an excellent platform for men to see what others have done to overcome difficulties in their lives and encourages open communication and understanding.