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. 

Team member

Dr Susie Bennett is a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Glasgow whose work is funded by MANUP?. Since 2018, Susie has been focused on exploring and understanding male suicide. She has done studies synthesizing twenty years of male suicide research, explored help-seeking barriers for men, childhood challenges and developed an agenda of priorities for male suicide research. Her work has been supported by thousands of men worldwide sharing their insights and experiences.

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.

Ambassador

Craig is an ex soldier who was diagnosed with c-ptsd after leaving the military due to 2 tours in Afghanistan where he lost a close friend.
He now uses nature and filming YouTube videos as therapy as he believes it is the best thing for the mind.
He supports the work that MANUP? do because he sees the vision and believes in breaking the stigma by talking/listening.

Ambassador

Rob supports the work of MANUP? because it’s really important to talk especially to encourage those of the same age that it’s not a weakness to open up to your mates it should be normal to be able to have a bit of banter but know you can talk if you need to.

Ambassador

Ben is an artist, curator and mental health advocate. Founder of @guycryclub Ben encourages the use of creativity to explore masculinity and mental health as well as campaigning for greater diversity within these dialogues.

Ben supports the work of MANUP? as he understands that providing a platform for others can lead to a greater sense of belonging and ultimately positive societal change in the context of mental health, which is essential.

Ambassador

As someone who has mainly been at battle with their own head for all their adult life, and after surviving the odd bad day or two, has come out the other side personally realising the biggest fear to overcome is yourself.

As I now move on and forward through life, I try and bring a perspective others may not yet have to other chaps view on life. MANUP? approach suits the kind of person I am when I need help, and I'd like to do that for others.

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.