MANUP?

09/09/2025

Sometimes all it takes is a good laugh.

Near burnout, stressed out, carrying too much?

The solution isn’t always serious or complicated. Social connection, letting off steam, having a laugh with mates, that can be enough to reset your head. It’s not about drinking, drugs, or overdoing it. It’s about switching off, releasing tension, and putting perspective back on your life.

When was the last time you truly let off some steam?

09/09/2025

“Mental health? It’s hard to define. It’s how you are, day to day. In both body and brain.”

We asked one man what mental health means to him.
His answer was honest: “I can’t do it justice. It’s complicated.”

But when it comes to looking after his own, he’s clear:

Stay connected to friends and family

Talk to professionals if you need to

Keep active. Walk. Play sport. Get outside

Don’t isolate

He lives with a physical health condition, but knows mental health isn’t separate. The two affect each other. And looking after both takes effort.

He wasn’t interested in buzzwords or neat slogans.
Just the truth.

Mental health doesn’t need a perfect definition.
What matters is how we care for it.

P.S. We’re getting men talking. The question is, are people listening? Check our feed and see for yourself.

08/09/2025

What does it mean to be a man in 2025?

The rules keep changing. Hustle hard but switch off on demand. Be open but never overshare. Stay strong but be sensitive. Sound confusing? You’re not alone.

Join us this Thursday at 6:15pm on Zoom for a men-only session with therapist James Elliott MSc, who’ll unpack the conflicting messages men face today. We’ll dig into everything from AI job shifts to dating apps, and how it all piles on chronic stress.

You’ll get a practical toolkit to stay steady: how to sort what matters from the noise, detox from comparison, audit your purpose, and build real connection, even when mates are scattered.

It’s free, anonymous and fully funded by MANUP?. Camera off? No problem. Just come as you are.

Save your spot now: https://www.manup.how/events/p0smvhcbml3psmbex5jtp0jh9dvtlb

04/09/2025

Feel like life’s out of sync but don’t know why?

ADHD might be the missing piece. Tonight at 6:15pm, join us on Zoom for an honest talk with Thomas Woodhams — talent scout, diversity advocate and man who got a late ADHD diagnosis.

Thomas will share his lived experience and practical advice on how to spot signs, push for assessment, and rebuild your daily habits to suit your brain.

This session covers workplace tips, how to navigate the tricky diagnosis process, and answers your questions, no pressure to talk, no cameras needed.

MANUP? funds the session so it’s free and open to all.
Get your spot today: https://www.manup.how/events/men-adhd-why-the-silence

04/09/2025

“In my job I’m meant to have all the answers. But for myself, I didn’t.”

We spoke to a construction projects director. Big sites, big pressure, long hours.
He’s responsible for massive developments in London and Westminster.
He’s also in counselling.

Not something you hear every day in his industry.
But as he said, “I’m mentally strong… but that doesn’t mean I’m not susceptible.”

This is a bloke dealing with the pressure of a high-level role, the cost of living, and raising four kids.
And instead of brushing it off, he asked for help.

He’s still figuring things out.
Still turning up.
And now he’s using his experience to help other men do the same.

This is what strength looks like.

P.S. We’re getting men talking. The question is, are people listening? Check our feed and see for yourself.

03/09/2025

“I don’t think men are so accessible… I’d talk to my wife. Or her friend. But not my mates.”

We spoke to a retired man about mental health.
He’d never really thought about it.
He keeps fit, reads, stays busy.
But when asked if he’d talk to his mates if he was struggling — the answer was no.

His wife noticed something else.
She has seen him go quiet. Headphones in. Not speaking.
She spotted the signs. And she knew something wasn’t right.

Her advice?
Men need to be kinder to themselves.
Stop trying to always “be the man.”
And if you’re struggling?
Just talk to someone. Anyone.

This is why we keep having these conversations.
Because men do talk — but only if someone’s listening.

P.S. We’re getting men talking. The question is, are people listening? Check our feed and see for yourself.

03/09/2025

Are we too obsessed with our past?

It’s useful to know why you do what you do, but if you never move forward nothing changes.

Money stress, work pressure, health, relationships — they all stack up. And for men, one thing keeps coming up: lack of purpose. Being a dad, a husband, an employee is not all there is.

What can you change today? Who can you reach out to? What gives your life purpose beyond the labels?

02/09/2025

Do you really enjoy life?

Too many of us are chasing solutions like a therapist will “fix” everything or the NHS will sort it out. But sometimes the answer isn’t just one place or one person.

There’s value in a mix, self-therapy, group support and organisations that actually understand work/life balance. Taking time for yourself isn’t weak. It’s necessary.

Fishing, wild camping, or whatever clears your head, should you have to feel guilty for it? Boundaries aren’t optional, they’re survival.

How do you make space to recharge in a world that expects you to just keep working?

02/09/2025

Big news for the MANUP? team.

Every single person who’s part of MANUP? has earnt their place, and today we’re proud to shine a light on one of our ambassadors, Alastair.

Anyone who’s met Al will know he’s a proper character. He can have you laughing within minutes, but don’t be fooled, he’s also one of the most genuine blokes you’ll meet. He’s lived through his own battles and come out swinging, with the kind of perspective that makes people stop and think.

This is the only man we know who once tried to jump off a bridge, then went and wrote a book about it, and later raised money for us by throwing himself off a bridge again… this time on a bungee cord.

You’ll find him on our MANUP? Mountain weekends, at our events, and always ready to get stuck in.

We’re proud to call him a friend, an ambassador, and an asset to the team.

01/09/2025

Chelmsford Urgency Post

Why do men die by su***de?

It is still the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK.

Our events in Liverpool, Newcastle, and Wales are almost sold out.

Chelmsford has the most places left, which means it is also the biggest opportunity to get involved.

Essex has a significant influence on shaping national conversations. By attending in Chelmsford, you can help elevate men’s mental health further up the agenda.

Hear directly from Dr Susie Bennett, University of Glasgow, and take away practical insights into supporting men in crisis.

If you can't make it, could you share?

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/why-do-men-die-by-su***de-tickets-1536783774639?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join us for a special knowledge-sharing event from MANUP? and Glasgow University to share the latest research findings

01/09/2025

Why do so many men stay silent about ADHD?

On Thursday at 6:15pm, Thomas Woodhams joins us live on Zoom to share his story, from spotting the signs to getting a late diagnosis and rebuilding life in a way that works for his brain.

This isn’t just personal, it’s practical. Thomas will unpack how men can thrive at work with simple tweaks, what to expect from the assessment process, and how to cut through the red tape.

Cameras off, mics off. Come to listen or ask questions. This session is fully funded by MANUP? and completely free.

If you’ve ever felt out of sync and wondered if ADHD might be part of it, this talk is for you.

Reserve your spot now: https://www.manup.how/events/men-adhd-why-the-silence

29/08/2025

This isn’t a holiday. It’s a challenge.

If you want to back us and help hit our £5,000 target to fund retreats, therapy, and real change, here’s the link: Skinflint Rally . One beaten-up car. Four days. Thousands of miles across Europe. No hotels, no backup, no excuses. Just camping wherever we can and doing something uncomfortable to raise money for real mental health support.

This longer video gives you a proper intro to Jack. He’s one of our trustees and he speaks honestly about men, pressure, therapy, and how advice from the internet doesn't always cut it. It’s not scripted. It’s not polished. But it’s real.

If you want to back us and help hit our £5,000 target to fund retreats, therapy, and real change – here’s the link:
👉 https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/manup-skinflintrally

We’re uploading one of these every Friday.
Real men. Real conversations. No nonsense.