Our Team

Back

Here at We Are Survivors, we provide a variety of online, offline, 1:1 and group support services direct to self identifying male survivors, along with their friends and their families, often referred to as ‘loved ones’.

As an organisation we also provide workshops and input into training courses to health and social care professionals, Police and legal professionals, public authorities and private sector, faith leaders and communities, teachers and students, and the voluntary sector.

Every single member of our amazing team are 100% committed to supporting those directly and indirectly affected by the sexual violation of boys and men, with some of the team having lived experience themselves.

We work in a non-oppressive, trauma informed and male focused manner and do not support any form of discrimination, whether on the grounds of gender, age, race, disability, religion, sexual orientation, HIV status, parental status, socio-economic class, or criminal history. All of our team understand the need for individuals to be able to generate their own identity and we are positive about all male and non-binary identities.

Our Team Structure

In order to ensure that everyone knows how they fit into the organisation, we developed a simple framework structure that shows us the accountability levels of each role. We call this our organigram and its reviewed bi-annually to ensure that its fit for purpose, particularly as we grow and develop further.

Meet YOUR Team

It is said that people make an organisation and here at We Are Survivors we believe this is true. Our strong, dedicated, highly experienced and qualified staff team are so supportive of the work they carry out and of each other that it truly reflects on the delivery of our services. Each member of the team fits neatly into what we call our ‘Organisational Governance Structure’ which gives the organisation structure and an understanding of accountability and responsibility.

Click on the name of any of our team to see what they have to say:

Aisling

Services Manager
(OUT Spoken)

Services Manager – Out Spoken

Aisling is the Service Manager for the OUT Spoken Service at We Are Survivors (formally Survivors Manchester), a voluntary sector organisation providing therapeutic and advocacy support to male (and trans and non-binary) victims/survivors of sexual abuse, rape and sexual exploitation.

Aisling holds a BA in Social and Community Development obtained in her home country of Ireland, a BA in Humanistic counselling from the University of Nottingham and a Post Grad Diploma from University College Cork.

She began practicing as a psychotherapist in 2018 and has worked with trauma and survivors of sexual abuse since.

Aisling’s career began in substance misuse services and followed this path for 10 years until a job advert for We Are Survivors came up on her Facebook newsfeed, at the time she was working in a Yorkshire prison on the substance misuse team. She had seen the need for a trauma therapy service within the prisons, therefore when the advert was seen she immediately applied. Aisling joined the OUT Spoken Team in 2021, initially as a Senior Trauma Informed therapist.

Aisling is the Drug and Alcohol lead in prisons and within this role has held events to raise awareness.

In 2022 she held a remembrance walk on 31^st August which is Overdose Awareness Day. With support from colleagues and service users both in custody and community services, a remembrance tree was created. She held a screening of the Recovery Film Festival in September attended by colleagues.

In Oct 2022 Aisling organised and facilitated a Stitch Away the Stigma group, in HMP Buckley Hall.

Alexander

Trauma Informed Therapist
(Placement)

Allison

Trauma Informed Therapist

Allison joined us in 2018 as a Trauma Informed Therapist, having completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy at Salford University in 2016.

This marked a complete change of direction for her having spent almost 30 years working in local government across the Greater Manchester area in various managerial roles. So she decided to put some of those skills and experience into practice in the voluntary sector and ended up managing Trafford Rape Crisis whilst she trained to be a Counsellor.

It was during this time that she met Duncan, as they often found themselves at long meetings trying to raise the profile of services providing much-needed support to men and women who have experienced any kind of sexual violence. Representing the voices of all of those people who needed to be heard.

And now she spends her working time bearing witness to the voices of some of those people as she helps them survive, heal and thrive through her role at We Are Survivors. She says this is the best job she has ever had!

Why did you decide to work for We Are Survivors?

I already knew Duncan and had decided to wait for the right role to come along in an organisation that I really believed in. Fortunately, I didn’t have to wait too long!

What would you like to see We Are Survivors do in Manchester?

Continue to reach out and provide much needed support to all the men who need it in increasingly challenging times.

Do you have a message for Greater Manchester residents?

We are here, and will always be here when you need us.

What’s your favourite thing about Manchester?

It’s home and it’s where I belong.

ARO

Telecoms Manager

Becky

Trauma Informed Therapist
(OUT Spoken)

Trauma Informed Therapist – OutSpoken

Becky is a trauma informed therapist working in the OUTSpoken Team of We Are Survivors (formally Survivors Manchester), a voluntary sector organisation providing therapeutic and advocacy support to male (and trans and non-binary) victims/survivors of sexual abuse, rape and sexual exploitation.

Becky has always had a passion for supporting people who have difficult lives as a result of trauma. Her career began in teaching and as a special needs primary school teacher for years, worked with and supported many children who have survived early childhood trauma. After training as a therapist, her experience in education was the foundation for Becky to begin her work with male survivors in prison. She is passionate about supporting people who are labelled in a way that adds to the many barriers that are already there silencing them and preventing them from disclosing and getting help for what they’ve been through.

After seeing a job advert for a trauma informed therapist in July 2022 Becky applied and joined the Outspoken team.

Becky also works in private practice and volunteers each week for a Manchester charity who are part of GMMH’s single point of access service. In 2021, she and the charity were awarded a Queens Award for Voluntary Services for the counselling work she and the charity did during Covid.

Ben

Trauma Informed Therapist
(Placement)

Billie

Clinical Supervisor

Caleb

Services Director

Caroline

Trauma Informed Therapist
(OUT Spoken)

Chris

Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Raised in Blackley in the 1980s, Chris was never really sure what he wanted to do for a career but then found himself spending 12 years in the catering industry, working in the city centre of Manchester, where he gained his management and organisation skills.

Chris states that he will always have a passion for food but felt like it was his time to move on and to start something new.

He began volunteering in the third sector with We Are Survivors and there found a passion which he wanted to build on his experience and use his existing skills to help the service. Chris then joined the Victim Support administration team and helped with a number of big projects, including the merging of two sites into one.

Chris is happy to be back with We Are Survivors and having made this choice, he says he looks forward to his future and hopes to be a productive member of the team (we can guarantee he is!)

Family (proud dad) and friends are the greatest part of his personal life and also has a love of football, reading, movies, music, and art.

Why did you decide to work for We Are Survivors?

Having volunteered in the past I always wanted to come back to We Are Survivors to take on a role full time. After seeing what the team did on a daily basis was inspiring and I knew I wanted to be a part of the organisation. The work ethic and professional attitude of the team and how they related to people using the service was always a big part of my decision to come back.

What would you like to see We Are Survivors do in Manchester?

Give people the best service and the power back to move forward from their abusive experiences and raise awareness that we are here to help more people who have been silent for too long.

Do you have a message for Greater Manchester residents?

I’d like residents to support to reducing the stigma associated with male sexual abuse and rape, this does happen to men and they need support whether from historic or current abuse. We all need to show respect and give support to the people of Manchester and stop any children or adults from going through this.

What’s your favourite thing about Manchester?

Born and raised here all my family and friends are here, a great mix of people and for me it’s a city on the rise with a bright future.

Christopher

Community Development
Co-Ordinator

Daniel

Services Manager
(Community)

Duncan

Independent Sexual Violence
Advisor (ISVA)

Independent Sexual Violence Advisor

Duncan is an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor with We Are Survivors, a voluntary sector organisation providing therapeutic and advocacy support to male (and trans and non-binary) victims/survivors of sexual abuse, rape and sexual exploitation.

Duncan’s role is accredited by LimeCulture and he has undertaken advanced ISVA training so as to better support those from seldom heard groups, those with neurodiversity and older people.

Duncan has worked within victim services for nearly a decade in a variety of frontline roles, having supported everyone from victims of burglary to those who have experienced domestic and sexual abuse. He has worked predominantly within the Greater Manchester area but has also supported people from across the UK. He has also actively supported those affected by the Manchester Arena bombing, Tunisia Terror Attacks and Westminster Bridge, providing emotional support, practical information and onward referral to specialist agencies when necessary.

He has been involved in helping obtain research from stalking and harassment victims in regards to their experience of reporting such crimes to the police which in turn has helped formulate policy.

After qualifying as an ISVA in 2020 Duncan has sat on and had active input into multiple steering groups, ranging from those that influence CPS policy to that within Greater Manchester Combined Authority surrounding the delivery of support for survivors of sexual violence.

At We Are Survivors Duncan is the organisation’s thematic lead around domestic violence and abuse, regularly taking part in several forums to highlight the plight of men who are affected by these crimes. His goal is to make sure that all survivors have a voice and that considerations are undertaken by those in authority for those seldom heard voices. He is a strong advocate for ensuring that the voice of survivors form the core of any discussions.

Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Duncan is the founder and Chief Executive of We Are Survivors, a voluntary sector organisation providing therapeutic and advocacy support to male (and trans and non-binary) victims/survivors of sexual abuse, rape and sexual exploitation.

As a survivor of sexual abuse, rape and sexual exploitation himself, Duncan’s personal insight and his professional experience as a psychotherapist and charity leader, has led him to work closely and extensively with the Government, NHS, Crown Prosecution Service and various Police forces across the UK. He has advised on policy; been part of strategic response to a number of high profile sexual violence cases (including at Gold Command for the Reynhard Sinaga case); and been actively involved with national reviews and work, including the Government’s End to End Rape Review, creating better response and care for victims/survivors.

Over the past decade, Duncan has been actively involved in the development of the UK Victim Strategy; the Strategic Direction for Sexual Assault and Abuse Services (SAAS); and was part of the working group developing the first ever Cross-Government Position Statement on Male Victims of Crimes Considered in the Cross-Government Strategy on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Duncan is a member of the Victims Minister’s Victim Advisory Board; founder member of the Victims Reference Group in the Office of the Victims Commissioner for England and Wales; and locally is part of the Justice and Rehabilitation Executive, and the Gender Based Violence Board for the Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester.

As a script consultant and TV story advisor on numerous occasions for Hollyoaks, Coronation Street, EastEnders and Casualty; similarly in the theatre productions Ripped (Edinburgh Fringe, 2019), The Maids (2019), The MP Aunty Mandy & Me (2022); Executive Producer on the films Padlock (2017) and Ripped (2022); and media advisor / commentator on Crimewatch, BBC Documentary Truth About Child Sex Abuse; BBC News and others, Duncan has used these platforms to raise awareness of male victims of sexual violence.

He is a strong advocate of tackling all sexual violence, writing for Huffington Post; has co-authored a number of articles in both the press and academic resources; and honoured to work internationally supporting the knowledge development of the government and key academics in the needs of sexually abused boys and men in Iceland; in USA supporting work around missing and exploited children, and male victims of child sexual abuse material (CSAM); in New Zealand focusing on male survivors in populations of identity (including first nations people); and in 2019, focusing on male victims/survivors of sexual violence in war and conflict in Uganda.

In 2020 Duncan received an OBE from Her Majesty the Queen for services to Male Victims of Rape and Child Abuse. In 2022 was awarded the Medal of Honor from Dame Nancy Rothwell for his work with male victims/survivors of sexual abuse and exploitation; whilst in 2023 was designated Honorary Senior Research Fellow in the School of Criminology at the University of Manchester.

In 2024, Duncan co-authored an article in the International Review of Victimology, “Nobody believes you if you’re a bloke’: Barriers to disclosure and help-seeking for male forced-to-penetrate victims/survivors”.

Eleanor

Independent Sexual Violence
Advisor (ISVA)

Gareth

Services Manager
(OUT Spoken)

Service Manager – Out Spoken

Gareth is one of the OUTspoken service managers, a branch of We are Survivors, and works within the northwest prisons providing Trauma therapy for prison service users.

Gareth has worked within different sectors that lead him up to finding his place as a counsellor, including customer service roles, primary school teaching, as a fashion buyer. Gareth has a certificate of higher education in Primary school teaching and a degree in Fashion Buying.

Gareth’s counselling journey began in 2014 where he started his level 2 diploma in counselling skills at Stockport college. Gareth completed his level 4 in the diploma in 2017. During this time Gareth completed his placement at HMP YOI Styal gaining invaluable knowledge of counselling in prisons and the running of prisons, and from his clients, what it is like to live in one.

After his completion of his diploma, Gareth went on to work for a not for profit in Preston where he was providing counselling with young people around Preston, Chorley and South Ribble within schools. Although apprehensive about working with young people at first, this ended up being a challenging yet rewarding career choice for Gareth, with a lot of insight into working full time as a counsellor and a new client base.

Since working as a counsellor and obtaining enough clinical hours, Gareth gained his accreditation with the BACP in 2022

Gareth’s family life helped shape him into a life where he would be working in a caring profession. His parents were foster carers for Gareth’s whole life as well as him being the eldest of 5 children, which helped giving him an wider world perspective from a young age.

Gayna

Independent Sexual Violence Advisor & Advocacy Manager

Service Manager – ISVA

Born and raised in North Manchester, in one way or another, Gayna’s work has always involved supporting individuals with a range of vulnerabilities and complex needs. Experienced in a variety of roles and settings within Social Care, including Residential & Community Mental health, Homeless Residential Support, Substance Recovery and Engagement and Community Detox. Gayna has worked in various roles at ‘We Are Survivors ‘ for 8 years. Initially as an Outreach & Engagement Worker on the ‘Safer Streets Manchester’ Child Sexual Exploitation project before training to become an ISVA. In 2021 Gayna took on the role of ISVA and Advocacy Lead. Another exciting opportunity to grow within the organisation. The role meant greater responsibility , new challenges, and the opportunity to help shape the ISVA and Community Development Services as well as our prison ISVA provision. Gayna and the Team are passionate about the work , whether that be directly supporting clients 1-1 in the community and prison estates or ensuring male survivors are represented and their voices heard at various levels. Working closely with , educating, learning from and consulting with partner agencies and stakeholders, including Crown Prosecution Service and the Police allows ‘We Are Survivors’ to play an instrumental part in shaping procedure and informing policy where it matters. Building on established relationships and forge new ones as we continue to advocate and support male survivors through the criminal justice system. Gayna sits on the VAWG Crown prosecution Service External Consultation Group (ECG) VOCAL Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Forum, ISVA statutory guidance working group as well as the North West VAWG (DV/Rape) Local Scrutiny Involvement Panel. A very proud moment for Gayna and the ISVA team came in 2022 when the team received the GMP ‘Chief Constable’s Award’ for their work on Operation Island , supporting the survivors of the largest rape investigation in British history !

George

Community Development
Co-Ordinator

George

Trauma Informed Therapist
(OUT Spoken)

GM Rape Crisis

OUT Spoken Service
Delivery Partner

Grahame

Design & Senior Communications
Co-Ordinator

Heather

Clinical Supervisor

Hilary

Clinical Supervisor

Jamie

Operations Director

Operations Director

Jamie is the Operations Director of We Are Survivors, a voluntary sector organisation providing therapeutic and advocacy support to male (and trans and non-binary) victims/survivors of sexual abuse, rape, and sexual exploitation.

Over the last decade, Jamie has undertaken research on the sexual abuse of males in elite sports, a case study of Everton Football Club on the implemented policies and procedures used to support the mental health of employees and has worked supporting male (including trans and non-binary) survivors in an operational role.

His involvement with We Are Survivors (then Survivors Manchester) began when offered a hot desk in the office top work from during some volunteering. Following the completion of his degree, he was offered the role as Operations Assistant on a part-time basis. The role soon became full-time with the opportunity of a secondment with the Male Survivors Partnership (MSP), an organisation co-founded by We Are Survivors founder and Chief Executive Officer, became available, he worked with the MSP to support the operational aspects of the development of a network of quality assured organisations working with male survivors of sexual abuse, rape, and sexual exploitation.

As We Are Survivors grew, Jamie continued his development within the organisation – moving from Operations Assistant to Senior Operations Assistant, then Operations Lead to his current role of Operations Director.

During his time, he has supported and led the development of the policies, processes, procedures, and systems used within the organisation, ensuring that we continue to provide quality assured services to the amazing individuals that walk through our doors.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jamie supported and developed the IT infrastructure so we could move all services online which support the organisation in not having to close any arm of its services. He has also been a key individual in the development and roll-out of the OUT Spoken Talking Therapy Service provided in all prisons across the North West.

Now as Operations Director, Jamie will deliver the Central Operations that supports the delivery of the Criminal Justice and Community services, as well as supporting the development of the income/expenditure of the organisation.

Jane

Trauma Informed Therapist

Jo

Clinical Supervisor

Jon

Trauma Informed Therapist

Joshua

RASSO Pathfinder

Julie

Clinical Supervisor

Kaelin

Independent Sexual Violence
Advisor (ISVA)

Karen

Trauma Informed Therapist
(OUT Spoken)

Trauma Informed Therapist: OUT Spoken

Karen’s journey begins in Greater Manchester, in the wonderful Wigan.

Aged 12 she had a desire follow in her Grandad’s footsteps and join St John Ambulance which, voluntary at first, but later it became a paid job where she taught and assessed first aid in many settings all over Greater Manchester. Along the way this extended into working in college, teaching and assessing first aid college staff and students enrolled on other courses. Doing this provided two more steppingstones and openings. Staff development provided the chance of more training courses in teaching and a link with Universities of UCLAN and Huddersfield where Karen gained Cert Ed and a Batchelors Degree with (Hons) in Training and Education.

Whilst delivering first aid training in a beauty and holistic setting in 1995 it was decided that that this would be another area of interest and many more courses were studied. In 1996, Karen set up in business which ran successfully for over 25 yrs.

When her mum sadly passed away in 2014 and not knowing who to talk to professionally, this experience led her to train to become a Counsellor/ Psychotherapist. During this course there was the chance of joining the Samaritans and an interest in many roles the main one being the BPSO for the prison team, training prisoners to become listeners within the prison setting where she found a way of helping those in prison to grow and develop.

Why did you decide to work for We Are Survivors?

The reputation and respect are second to none at We Are Survivors. When I heard of a chance of a possible role here, despite pondering whether to retire or not, I grabbed the opportunity with both hands. The role is the “gift that keeps on giving” and I wanted to be part of it. It is a privilege to work with a great team within the criminal justice setting.

What would you like to see We Are Survivors do in Manchester?

Continue to give males a voice, help them to be heard! Men’s feelings need to be encouraged and their emotions understood. The offer of non-judgmental support is here, and it is unconditional.

Do you have a message for Greater Manchester residents?

The people of Manchester have hearts of gold, they are generous, strong, and loyal. Please help to keep the service of We Are Survivors alive in this wonderful city.

What’s your favourite thing about Manchester?

The shops!!!! of course, the allure of the bright vibrant city life. I feel excited and fuzzy inside whenever I visit Manchester.

Kay

Trauma Informed Therapist
(GM Rape Crisis)

Liam

Apprentice Fundraiser

Luke

Community Development
Co-Ordinator (Mandem Meetup)

Mark

Trauma Informed Therapist

Thematic Lead: Men’s Health

Mark joined the We Are Survivors team in January 2022. Before becoming a therapist, Mark spent around 20 years as a support worker, supporting vulnerable children and adults.

Mark has worked with clients for over 3 years in private practice and as part of a small team of therapists offering crisis support to people online and over the phone who otherwise have difficulty accessing counselling.

In his spare time, he enjoys swimming – sometimes wild swimming. Going for trips in his campervan and relaxing at home.

Why did you decide to work for We Are Survivors?

The more I have worked alongside and supported people who are trying to make sense of, and heal from difficult and traumatic experiences, I knew I wanted this to be how I use my skills. I also understand how difficult it can be for many men to talk and make connection, especially when feeling vulnerable. The ethos at We Are Survivors in supporting men to break the silence is something I feel passionate about, I am also proud to be part of an organisation have such a big impact on the lives of so many men.

What would you like to see We Are Survivors do in Manchester?

It takes on average over 20 years for men who have survived rape and sexual assault to talk about and share their story. I would like to see We Are Survivors continue to be at the forefront of the movement to change this culture of silence amongst men.

Do you have a message for Greater Manchester residents?

I feel proud to be living in an area with a long history of fighting for social justice. I think there are many reasons to be proud of Greater Manchester and it’s people, We Are Survivors is one of them.

What’s your favourite thing about Manchester?

That’s easy, the people, Mancunians are straight up, friendly and big hearted.

Mary

Trauma Informed Therapist

Matt

Trauma Informed Therapist

Monica

Trauma Informed Therapist

Monika

Trauma Informed Therapist

Naomi

Trauma Informed Therapist

Neil

Community Development
Co-Ordinator

Nick

Senior Information & Data Analyst

Nisaa

Services Manager
(Therapy)

Service Manager

Nisaa is experienced in Trauma Informed therapy and has with a strong passion for supporting those from different ethnic backgrounds, accessing mental health support. Nisaa holds an undergraduate degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy (University of Salford) with BACP registration Before joining the team here Nisaa qualified as a Psychotherapist in 2018, she worked within Clinical settings and school settings, supporting a diverse range of clients. Nisaa started her journey with We Are Survivors in 2021 as a Trauma Informed therapist. Nisaa dedicates her time to support the hidden voices which has led her work today.

Since joining We Are Survivors Nisaa had developed herself and was promoted to Senior Trauma Informed Therapist and now Therapy Service Manager. Nisaa has experience in working in the Outspoken team and has worked within the Prison setting. To support those suffering with childhood trauma. Equality is important to Nisaa and supporting everyone no matter who they are or how they identify. Nisaa become Equality Diversity and Inclusion Lead here at We Are Survivors to ensure No Male Survivor is left behind. She has worked with British Muslim TV and held conversations regarding Male Survivors from the Muslim community. Nisaa hopes to break the silence for all communities.

Nisaa’s skills and experience in working with diverse communities supports client care in line with clients cultural and religious beliefs.

I am committed to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and their families. My experience in schools, rehabilitation and prison has given me specialist experience in complex institutions and working with a diverse client range within the institutions.

The Trauma Informed approach is incorporated into my work throughout. I dedicate myself to ongoing professional development and I hope to raise the voices of those who feel unheard.

Njal

Services Manager
(Therapy)

Service Manager

In 2018, Njal qualified as a Psychotherapist at the South Manchester Centre for Psychotherapy where he was awarded the Certificate Award in Therapeutic Counselling; and in 2022 Njal completed additional training and was awarded the Advanced Diploma Award in Psychotherapeutic Counselling. The prime modality that Njal is trained in is Transactional Analysis (TA).

In addition to Njal’s therapeutic background, he also graduated in BA (Hons) Psychology and Criminology in 2005.

Prior to starting at We Are Survivors, Njal worked in private practice as a Psychotherapist at Beacon Counselling, where he supported both male and female adults. His work involved helping and supporting those who experience anxiety, depressive symptoms, suicidal ideations, and processing grief.

At the end of 2020, Njal became a full-time Trauma Informed Therapist at We Are Survivors. He dedicated his time to working therapeutically 1:1 with male survivors in the Community and in the Prison estate, as well as with the survivors’ friends and family. In 2022, he was promoted to Senior Trauma Informed Therapist, which came with the added responsibility of being point of escalation and support for the therapists in the Community. In 2023, due to a structural need within the organisation, Njal’s journey within We Are Survivors continued when he was promoted to Therapy Service Manager (Acting) in the Community

At the start of 2024, an opportunity arose for Njal to work on a new project, working with the Police, Probation, the Office of the Deputy Mayor, and other VCSE organisations, providing a whole system response to the provision of support for individuals under investigation for or with a conviction for sexual offences. The service delivered by We Are Survivors in this wider project is focused on the small percentage of survivors that have committed such offences, with the aim of reducing the risk of recidivism and provide We Are Survivors with an active prevention service.

Njal feels integrity, respect, boundaries, and professionalism go a long way to creating a safe and secure therapeutic space and engagement with service users. Due to Njal’s commitment to holding such values, this led him to take on the role of Suicide Prevention Thematic Lead. This entails leading the organisation, to prevent death by suicide and support Greater Manchester with a focus on knowledge sharing and campaigning.

Njal strives to provide continuous support to those male survivors who have shown bravery and courage in breaking their silence by taking that first step, but also to those who are yet to.

Phillip

Trauma Informed Therapist

Rae

Community Development
Co-Ordinator

Rebecca

Trauma Informed Therapist

Rebecca qualified as a psychotherapist in 2021 after studying at The University of Salford. Coming from a community and youth work background; she carried over an understanding that “one size” doesn’t necessarily fit all, preferring to work collaboratively with clients listening to their unique wants, needs, and fears- using all this to shape her relational work. After co-founding one of Salford’s LGBT youth clubs, working to promote and celebrate the unique experiences of Salford’s LGBT youth; she sought out therapeutic work collaborating within the adult LGBTQI+ community and considers her roots in this speciality.

Rebecca identifies as mixed race and bisexual and so she has always been interested in and attuned to the needs of those with minority experiences. She values highly the ethical principle of justice in her work- striving for equity with all clients, restoring experiences for those who have been left disempowered by difference and trauma. During her training she became fascinated by the impacts of shame within the therapeutic space, and how best to bring safely into the therapy room that which feels uncomfortable or risky to discuss.

Rebecca is Passionate about amplifying the voices of those who have unique identities and experiences, encouraging their stories so to promote compassion, understanding and celebration thereof. She is now thrilled to continue in this as part of the amazing team here at We Are Survivors!

Why did you decide to work for We Are Survivors?

We Are Survivors was the first service I ever signposted a client towards; this was my first ever client in training and I remember the huge sense of gratitude and relief in knowing that there were people armed and ready with the care and knowledge to support men who have survived sexual abuse and violence. Since that first client experience which illuminated for me the complex experience of the male survivor, I remained attuned to the necessity of We Are Survivors’s invaluable work. It feels an honour to now be part of this amazing team, providing the same support that I was so grateful for not too long ago!

What would you like to see We Are Survivors do in Manchester?

To continue connecting deeper into the more diverse communities of this city, amplifying their amazing work breaking the silence of, and inspiring hope for, this city’s deserving survivors no matter who they are.

Do you have a message for Greater Manchester residents?

The more we communicate about unspoken subjects such as male victimisation and male emotion feeling, the more we can normalise them and break the stigma. Let’s encourage boys and men to speak out about their difficult experiences and show them they deserve to be heard!

What’s your favourite thing about Manchester?

The thing I love most about Manchester, is the feeling of Manchester! During lockdown I discovered the canal walks which sum up the feeling of this city so well- Manchester’s different spaces and communities are all connected, you can feel the history and the spirit of this city flowing throughout. I didn’t grow up in Manchester, but there’s a welcoming energy here that makes me feel at home!

Reuben

Trauma Informed Therapist
(Placement)

Riz

Trauma Informed Therapist

Thematic Lead: LGBTQI People of Colour

Riz qualified in 2019 as a therapist and joined We Are Survivors in 2021 as a Trauma Informed Therapist. He is a member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Riz is passionate about working with people to become fulfilled, healthy and reconnect with themselves. He supports the view that everyone has the capacity to change, no matter how lost or helpless they may feel.

In his previous life he ran a food manufacturing business supplying local restaurants, further developing his business to supply supermarkets both nationally and internationally.

Why did you decide to work for We Are Survivors?

We Are Survivors provided me with a safe space to grow and develop, when I qualified as a therapist I reached out to We Are Survivors and was presented with an opportunity be part of this amazing organisation. How could I refuse.

What would you like to see We Are Survivors do in Manchester?

To continue to reach out and raise awareness of the sexual abuse and rape of boys and men, and to give a voice to those boys and men in marginalised communities. Moving forwards I would like to see We Are Survivors more visible within these communities.

Do you have a message for Greater Manchester Residents?

The greatest challenge in life is discovering who you are. The second greatest challenge is being happy with you find.

What is your favourite thing about Manchester?

I love the diversity of Manchester, we have an amazing mix of cultures, ethnicities, languages, the energy, the vibrancy. It’s a city where you can immerse yourself (a pick me up).

Rob

Snr Trauma Informed Therapist
(OUT Spoken)

Snr Trauma Informed Therapist: OUT Spoken

Rob left University in 2011 and began working as a Sports Coach in and around Manchester. During this time, some of his work involved him worked alongside Manchester’s Youth Offending Team, offering daily sports activities to the young people they were working with.

After 3 years, he became the Sports Coach/PE Lead for 2 Primary Schools in Salford and continued with this amazing role for 7 years. He began training to be a counsellor in 2016. The incentive to study counselling was to be able to support young people more, as Rob believes that the earlier people can begin to recover from traumatic life experiences, the more fulfilled a life they can lead as a result. His own life experience supports this belief.

Sport was a great way to connect with those children and young people who may find it difficult to participate in other areas of life because of what they have experienced, but for those where Education is a part of the problem, there has to be another angle to approach from. Rob believes therapy to be that angle. Rob recently qualified with a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling in August, 2021 and We Are Survivors is his first employment in this new and exciting career for him. As a person who is extremely passionate about helping the younger/next generation(s), he also found great benefit in working with clients of all ages during his placement and that trauma and recovery do not have age limits. This made him decide to not be as restrictive with the age groups he will work with, but instead focus on a specific area of therapy, which is Trauma Informed.

Now being employed as part of the OUT Spoken team, Rob feels as though he has come full circle, and in being able to work with and support, those that find themselves on the other side of the law, he now has an opportunity to continue where his journey initially started and potentially make a difference to those who are often forgotten about.

Why did you decide to work for We Are Survivors?

Very simply, the opportunity to work for We Are Survivors presented itself to me, as I was just about to qualify as a therapist, and it was just too good of an offer to not take. The work Survivor’s Manchester do is extremely important and the chance to go into prisons and really be of service to the men in there is a gift and an honor. I feel very fortunate to be beginning my career with such an amazing organisation, actually out there doing important work.

What would you like to see We Are Survivors do in Greater Manchester?

To continue the fantastic work they are already doing and keep building the OUT Spoken Team so that more Therapists can go into prisons and support the men and boys that are in there.

I am also a huge advocate of living a healthy way of life as I believe it contributes massively to how you feel. So I’d like to be able to integrate taking care of yourself, eating well, drinking water, exercise and doing things you enjoy into the therapeutic process. I feel Survivor’s Manchester is a place which holds similar values in that respect and offers its staff the freedom to bring these ideas into the work that we do if appropriate.

Do you have a message for Greater Manchester residents?

Yes, I’m no expert, but I believe that healing is a life-long journey. One that is initially terrifying, will be one of the hardest things you’ve ever done and will sometimes feel like a constant battle where continuing to go on seems impossible at times. But if you go at your own pace, accept the help that is on offer to you and remember that you are a Survivor and deserve to be OK, it will be the most worthwhile thing you could ever imagine and life can be there for living. It all starts by taking that first step.

What’s your favourite thing about Manchester?

A mixed lamb kharai with keema and peas from Kabana on Cheetham Hill Road with a couple of chapattis and a bowl of salad!
No, in all honesty, Manchester is home! I’m a proud Manc. I walk Manc. I talk Manc. And I love the way Manc’s never apologise for who they are. The fact we ask people we know or multiple strangers daily “Yalright?” is evidence that we care about one another and generally speaking, if you ask somebody in Manchester for help, there is a good chance you’ll get it.

Rory

Admin Co-Ordinator

Admin Co-Ordinator: OUT Spoken

Thematic Lead: Research

Rory was born in Leicester to a tight-knit Scottish family and has been jumping north and south of the border their whole life.

He graduated First Class in Philosophy at the University of Dundee in 2020, where they represented students in varying capacities and organised a Scotland wide undergraduate humanities conference. In 2021, while living with their parents during the height of the pandemic, Rory attained a Distinction in Psychoanalytic Studies from Birkbeck College. He is keen on the writings of Hegel and Lacan, and films by Clio Bernard and Shane Meadows.

Rory moved to Manchester to live with their partner, looking for work whilst building up a portfolio for future research; approaching psychotherapy through the lens of the arts and humanities, continuing to apply logistical and administrative experience moreover.

Why did you decide to work for We Are Survivors?

Despite coming from a theory-based background, I was left wanting to make a real impact with said knowledge and organisational experience in hand. Further, for me, setting the stage for people to express themselves is as rewarding as being centre stage myself!

I moved to Manchester to look for work in a mental health admin/ops role, and I ended up being taken on by We Are Survivors after an energetic interview. The busy life of an operations role has more than satisfied my longing for praxis, while my desire to keep learning is supported so enthusiastically by We Are Survivors.

What would you like to see We Are Survivors do in Manchester?

To keep providing the invaluable service we provide.

Beyond this, I look forward to seeing how the data and the reputation we continue to build makes waves in research and the wider socio-political landscape. I hope We Are Survivors can go on to create a healthy learning culture surrounding male sexual abuse and rape.

Do you have a message for Greater Manchester residents?

The truth can never be put into words alone. Conveying trauma is not just to speak but to engage in art and play, to express yourself across physical and mental spectrums. The truth may keep dipping away, but the pursuing path grants us knowledge. I see this in everything We Are Survivors provides for its people.

What’s your favourite thing about Manchester?

The food is to die for, it’s great having such good curry, pho and sushi on my doorstep. Overall though, the layered depth of this city, its institutions, people, and spirit are beyond alluring.

I just need a better social life to match it…

Safety2Business

Health & Safety Manager

Sam

Information & Data Manager

Thematic Lead: Public Health

A South Wales native, Sam moved to Manchester in 2013 to study Philosophy at the University of Manchester. He switched over to Mathematics midway through his first year and graduated in 2018. After working in various procurement roles for an online personalised gift company and the NHS, he joined the We Are Survivors family in early 2022 and is delighted to be a part of it. He’s looking forward to helping the organisation grow with his previous academic and professional experience, while also in turn learning from the organisation and amazing people who work there and use the service.

Sam spends his free time listening to and making music on weeknights, and his weekends surfing either the Yorkshire Coast or the Gower Peninsular.

Why did you decide to work for We Are Survivors?

I was feeling slightly disillusioned with the world of procurement towards the end of 2021 and decided to look for roles which had more in common with the elements I enjoyed so much during my degree, while also feeling like I was contributing to a good cause. I quickly stumbled upon a role at We Are Survivors and after a few hours of research and reading about its origins and staff bios, it was clear that We Are Survivors was an inspiring and essential organisation, doing unprecedented work in the North-West. This, combined with the already enticing job description made me even more determined to put everything into joining.

The realisation of this has been exceeded my already high expectations, and I’m excited and proud at the thought of being able to help We Are Survivors grow further over the coming years.

What would you like to see We Are Survivors do in Manchester?

To continue its growth and become even more of an established name in Greater Manchester, in turn help break the stigma around men speaking out.

Do you have a message for Greater Manchester residents?

To speak out when you feel ready. It definitely takes courage but breaking the stigma around men speaking out about anything from abuse and trauma to their own wellbeing is so important. I haven’t been working here long, but the openness of my colleagues has really inspired me to not keep my own feelings and anxieties bottled up, it’s been extremely beneficial.

What’s your favourite thing about Manchester?

Originally it was the music, I chose to study here due to a long-term obsession with artists The Fall and The Chemical Brothers, which in hindsight was a pretty ridiculous reason! Although I love the music and art which is currently coming out of Manchester, the people are what’s kept me here. I’ve met my best friends here, and I’m still constantly amazed by the inclusivity and warmth of Mancunians.

Sam

Trauma Informed Therapist
(OUTSpoken)

Sarah

Finance Manager

Simon

Trauma Informed Therapist

Simon joined us in February 2017 and is working for us as a Trauma Informed Therapist. Simon completed a 4 year Diploma in Transactional Analysis in 2017 and became a Registered Member of the BACP later that year. Prior to working for us, Simon worked for 42nd Street as a counsellor working with 14-25 year olds in Manchester. His work included supporting young people with anxiety and depressive symptoms, processing grief, eating disorders, and attachment-related issues.

Prior to working as a therapist, Simon spent time working in various roles in the social care sector supporting people with mental health, learning disabilities and acquired brain injury. He also provided training for staff working in these roles.

Simon brings elements of mindfulness, existential, and relational approaches to his work. Simon believes in ‘walking alongside’ clients in order to explore their story and understand their needs. In this way, Simon looks to find the goals and outcomes that are most important for that client at that time.

Why did you decide to work for We Are Survivors?

I have always had a real passion for working with men, particularly in the field of mental health. I feel, from my own personal experiences, that there is a great deal of shame related to men speaking openly about their mental health which keeps them silent and perpetuates the suffering. As We Are Survivors is all about breaking the silence of men who have been sexually abused, it felt like a perfect fit with my own values.

What would you like to see We Are Survivors do in Manchester?

I’d like to see us grow as an organisation so we can do more of what we already do so well and reach more people. I’d like to see us engage with those communities that, for whatever reason, rarely engage with mental health services. I think it’s also important we take a role in engaging with other services and the general public to understand the impact of sexual abuse so that it becomes a conversation across the region rather than one that only happens in the therapy room.

Do you have a message for Greater Manchester residents?

It’s never too late to speak out and ask for some support, whatever that means for you. Every journey begins with a first step.

What’s your favourite thing about Manchester?

The people and the food! I do my best to have plenty of both in my life

Professional membership: Registered Member of BACP

Sj

Trauma Informed Therapist

Stuart

Trauma Informed Therapist

Stuart comes from a creative background, having worked for many years as a professional musician and then later as a sound engineer and producer in recording studios and concert venues. Other than music, Stuart’s big passion is people! He was drawn to counselling after two very positive experiences as a client in therapy during some very challenging episodes in his life.

Following this he trained as a counsellor, gaining an MA qualification from Manchester University, and has been working therapeutically with all sorts of different people and issues ever since.

Stuart identifies as an integrative therapist, and strongly believes in a flexible and creative approach to working with people, where the therapeutic style and approach is fitted to each person and their unique way of experiencing the world. He has worked in two charitable organisations prior to We Are Survivors as a counsellor with a whole range of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, sexual abuse, OCD, self-harm and suicidal ideation, anger management, self-esteem, sexuality and identity issues.

Working as a trauma-focused therapist is a natural progression from Stuart’s other creative activities (he is still an active musician, sound engineer and producer). He believes that every encounter with a client is a golden opportunity to create a meaningful, authentic connection, and this relationship becomes the vehicle for change and a playground for exploring the many different and often paradoxical aspects of ourselves. He believes that allowing those unspeakable experiences and thoughts to be voiced and explored in a safe, supportive environment is central to successful therapy, and this where their effect and impact can be reduced or transformed into something more helpful.

Why did you decide to work for We Are Survivors?

We Are Survivors is an amazing charity doing very important work and supporting an under-represented group struggling with some very challenging issues. It is an area I am very passion about working in and I wanted to bring my energy and counselling skills to working with this group of people. The welcoming and supportive ethos of Survivors is a great fit with my personal values and very close to my heart. The effects and fallout from childhood sexual abuse, and adult rape and sexual assault are devastating and far-reaching.

It takes immense courage for survivors to speak out and rise above the legacy of the abuse, and being able to walk alongside some of these brave people on their journey for a while and be involved in some way in their recovery feels very important to me.

What would you like to see We Are Survivors do in Manchester?

I would love to see the organisation continue to grow in the way that it has done over the last year, and eventually provide a service nationally all over the country. There is a real demand for the service that Survivors delivers and it is great to see that acknowledged and supported by IAPT and those that fund the service. I’m also really pleased that the it’s supporting Greater Manchester Police in the development of the Accord Programme through ‘Change Project‘, a seperate organistion aimed at those who have been abused and are at risk of offending. I believe this is a really important part of the overall picture of reducing offending and making society a safer place for everybody. I hope this area of the organisation continues to grow alongside supporting as many survivors of abuse as possible.

Finally I hope We Are Survivors will keep speaking out about male sexual abuse and rape and help to encourage others to do the same, and break down the stigma around this subject.

Do you have a message for Greater Manchester residents?

I have lived in Manchester for almost 15 years and I can say without question there is a lot of love in this city! So my message for Greater Manchester residents is…: You are great! Keep being you, support those that need it, challenge the things you don’t want to accept loudly and passionately, and carry on being the wonderful, diverse and energetic community that makes this city a great place to live!

Mancunians are not known for keeping quiet, and it would be good to see our voices collectively being used as much as possible to raise awareness of the impact and existence of all forms of sexual abuse and violence. Never be scared to have those difficult conversations, as that is what breaks down stigma and ignorance and encourages awareness.

What’s your favourite thing about Manchester?

Undoubtedly the people! Wonderfully diverse, full of beans and sometimes more than a little bit eccentric, but the spirit of this city is second to none. I sometimes go swimming at the Manchester Aquatic Centre, and there is a huge graphic on the wall down there that says: “This is Manchester… we do things differently round here”! That sums it up for me.

I also love the music scene in Manchester, and have lost count of the number of superb gigs I have been to here. And The Sugar Junction in The Northern Quarter do the best Eggs Royale and Oreo Milkshake you can get your hands on!