Rewriting the Narrative on Men’s Mental Health with Dan Somers (MANUP?)
🎙️ In this episode of the TRUUMAN Podcast, host Lewis Hackney sits down with Dan Somers, the founder of MANUP?, a groundbreaking charity challenging the stigma around men’s mental health. Dan’s journey started with a personal wake-up call—after learning of Keith Flint’s tragic passing, he realised how many men’s funerals he’d attended over the years. That moment led to the creation of MANUP?, an initiative that began as an annual event but quickly evolved into a registered charity funding vital research into male suicide prevention. At MANUP?, the goal is clear: get men talking. The organisation provides a raw, real, and sometimes humorous space to discuss mental health without judgment or clichés. More importantly, they directly fund research to uncover the real reasons behind the male suicide crisis, working with experts like Dr. Susie Bennett to drive change where it matters most.
What We Cover in This Episode:
🔹 The real story behind MANUP?—how a tragic loss turned into a movement
🔹 Why traditional mental health campaigns fail to reach men
🔹 How humour and raw conversation help break the stigma
🔹 Funding groundbreaking research: what MANUP? is doing differently
🔹 How we can all play a role in tackling the male suicide crisis
Key Takeaways:
✅ Men don’t need to be told to “open up”—they need the right environment to talk.
✅ Mental health campaigns must be tailored to men’s unique challenges.
✅ It’s not just about awareness—it’s about real solutions and research.
✅ Changing the narrative around masculinity is crucial for suicide prevention.
✅ Anyone can make a difference—whether through conversation, support, or action.
Quotes from Dan:
“I realised I’d been to too many funerals of men who never spoke about their struggles. That had to change.”
“Men don’t just sit down and ‘talk about their feelings’—but they will open up in the right environment.”
“We’re not here to preach. We’re here to have honest conversations, sometimes awkward, sometimes hilarious, but always real.”
“The male suicide crisis won’t be solved with slogans. We need research, action, and a new approach.”
Resources and Links:
MANUP? https://www.manup.how/
Dan Somers https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-at-seomers/
