MANUP? TEAM
Bringing awareness to men's mental health is our mission.
We raise awareness, start discussions, and highlight what people can do to cope with mental illness.
Every team member from trustee to ambassador has lived with some sort of mental health issue.
Dan Somers
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?
Steve Bown
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.
Trustees
Steve Rooke
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.
Rosie Leach
Trustee
I have worked in HR for approximately 8 years now. I work within a male dominated industry and have unfortunately witnessed the impact that poor mental health can have, especially through the fear of not speaking out. My mission and passion is supporting both leaders and individuals feel comfortable to create safe spaces for difficult conversations and break communication delay.
I am very passionate about mental health and wellbeing, I have personally experienced my own journey and I firmly believe that if I can positively impact one person, someone’s world has been changed and that the aim of the game.
Dot Cordle
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.
Ambassadors
COLIN DOBSON-FOX
Ambassador
Despite living with severe anxiety and depression since his early teens, Colin curated a successful career in radio and more recently on YouTube where his weekly vlogs describing how he lives and deals with his own mental health struggles have been watched by over 70-million people.
He’s supporting MANUP? because he wants to highlight the mental health issues we face, yet very few of us ever talk about."
Craig ‘BUSHCRAFT’
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.
Robert Welham
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.
Ben DRIVER
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.
Jack Shepherd
Ambassador
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.