MEET THE TEAM
TRUSTEE
DANIEL O'REILLY
Following his success in the entertainment industry Daniel hit multiple rock bottoms when his career came crashing to a holt and at the same time as losing his father, as a result of this after years of alcohol and drug abuse Daniel found himself battling with addiction to both drugs and alcohol.
After years of mental health deterioration Daniel found himself, depressed, anxious and lost, resulting in suicidal thoughts, culmination in a cry for help to the Samaritans in 2016 when he was considering taking his own life.
From that day forward Daniel was on a mission to find out what was happening to him and other lads alike, 7 years later he managed to start his first stint at sobriety that ended in a really bad relapse that almost destroyed his life once again.
After being diagnosed with severe ADHD and beginning his 2nd attend at sobriety Dan set up ‘Men And Their Emotions (M.A.T.E) on Facebook to discuss what he was going through with he thousands of men following his online journey through his mental health struggles
The safe-space online male group was created as a platform for men to talk to one another in an anonymous, non-judgmental environment, allowing them to open up and share advice. It’s a secure digital place where all men can ask questions, whether it is anonymously or not, share opinions, and support each other. The group now boasts almost 46,000 members who support each other and look to Daniel as an advocate for men’s mental health.
The M.A.T.E Facebook group encourages all different types of men with different ages, backgrounds and cultures to speak up about any worries/demons/negative thoughts they may have, or are trying to manage on their own. The discussions are around real-life men’s problems. Members post about suicide, problems in their relationships, their sex issues and overall struggles.
Due to the amazing global response from men around the world, Daniel decided to set up a charity, bringing the mission of the Facebook group to life and beginning a journey to help men who are in similar situations to his past. Daniel asked Gary and Stevie to join him as trustees for the charity as their stories really hit home for him and he believes their experiences will really help to benefit those that the charity aims to support.
Daniel cannot wait to begin fundraising for events which will support men during the difficult periods in their lives and really spread the message that men's emotions are important!
“I'm just so proud of this page, its my biggest achievement so far, to see real men helping each other and I'm looking forward to using the platform to help raise money for important things to do with men's mental health and I'm especially excite to start doing events to meet some of these lads in real life and help them make friends and talk”
TRUSTEE
GARY OKE
Gary hasn't known Dan or Stevie for long but through aligning values and core principles it was evident that working for M.A.T.E was something very close to all three's hearts. Gary enjoys sports, especially Rugby and Football. Gary is by far the quietest member of the group, a humble, warm and empathetic person who really loves to help those that recognise they want help and not need it.
Gary volunteered for M.A.T.E as he was and still is a recovering addict. At the end of his active addiction he was lacking friends and places to vent, his family support network was great but he was in the process of earning their trust again and following many Jekyll and Hyde moments due to drug taking, all his own choice and ones in which he now fully owns. He had numerous mental health issues but had nowhere to turn...
Gary followed Dan on Facebook for years as he loved his comedy and found his content very relatable, especially about the sesh. The sesh gremlin really hit home. Dan created a men's mental health group, his lived experiences spoke volumes which Gary could relate to. Gary joined M.A.T.E and hasn’t looked back since.
Gary was probably one on the first members of M.A.T.E ( he likes to think so, even if he’s not 😁) Once the group started, Dan posted about the need for more moderators, Gary sent him an email with his life experiences. This email turned his life around, not just because of this incredible Charity and it's values but because it gave Gary a purpose after feeling so lost for many years.
Gary, as mentioned suffers with addiction and mental health issues. He overcame addiction through his own methods. He was living pay cheque to pay cheque, in debt and this was through his choice of taking drugs. He then made many cuts in his life many of which were difficult, but truly justified by how far he has come with his new life.
Gary currently works for a leading UK Mental Health Charity, a role which he adores. Garys experience with Mental Health and working for a leading organisation has expanded his knowledge within the sector which has made him a valued member of the team.
Gary is quoted as saying “It's not about needing help with your mental health, it's about wanting it and recognising that you want to change."
TRUSTEE
STEVIE PEARCE
Stevie has known Charity founder Daniel O’Reilly for the past 20 years and jumped at the chance to support this project.
Stevie works as a Health and Safety Professional, this role does include supporting peoples Mental Health and Wellbeing.
However, it was Stevie's personal experiences that made him volunteer and support the creation of the M.A.T.E. Facebook group and now the Charity.
In 2020, while the UK was going into lockdown, Stevie was being diagnosed with stage 3 Melanoma Skin Cancer. Being 37 years old, with a 4 year old daughter, 2 year old son and wife, this was a shock to the whole family and mentally took it’s toll. Stevie was convinced it had spread, every time he hugged his children he would breakdown thinking it might be the last time. Stevie used methods to support his Mental Health and to start thinking positively.
He used methods such as Wim Hof for breathing and cold water therapy this helped with mental toughness. However, it was going for long walks with friends, family and talking during those walks that really helped. Sharing his concerns with others lifted the weight off his shoulders, having friends and a strong support network who were there for support gave optimism for the future. Stevie is currently cancer free and is planning on supporting M.A.T.E for years to come.
In addition to this, Stevie has seen a family member suffer with their Mental Health and saw not only the strain on the individual, but also on the family. It affected those you never expected.
If you have experienced cancer diagnosis, had family members who have been given the diagnosis and don’t know where to turn, always reach out via our pages.
VOLUNTEER
ROSS MAC
Ross Mac got introduced to Dan via mutual friends to recorded on the Menace to Sobriety podcast and hasn't looked back since. Ross has also joined Dan on his live show on stage podcast and they have helped each other on their sobriety journeys ever since, Ross eventually joined M.A.T.E as part of the moderator family.
Ross has suffered with poor mental health for as long as he can remember and was expelled from infant’s school at the age of 5. Everyone told him he was a naughty kid but in his 30s he learnt he was an addict, with ADHD - this realisation and discovery, was a blessing.
Working and running events in night clubs at the age of 13, Ross quickly turned to drink and drugs as a solution for his problems. Despite his addictions, he managed to DJ and run events all over the world, but there was always a dark cloud that followed him - that dark cloud was his mind.
He always knew what he was doing was wrong, he always knew he had developed an addiction, but he couldn’t stop. Drink, drugs and women were favourite pastimes, and he would (unfortunately) step over anyone to get what he wanted. His mind was scrambled 24/7 and he couldn’t work out the true from the false.
On the outside, his life looked amazing but inside his using got worse, his mind got darker, and he found himself in a place where he thought he was going to die! He had been going to 12-step recovery meetings on and off for over four years, but one day he hit my rock bottom and has never looked back. He’s been clean ever since, God willing, one day at a time. A decision that has changed his life.
Ross got clean on 22nd September 2014 and discovering he is an addict has been the best thing that has ever happened to him. He’s been given a second chance in life and wants to share that with as many people as possible, that want a new out. He believes we have been put on this earth to help each other and that philosophy is his mission - to speak and help people every single day of his life, no matter where he is in the world.
Since he became clean, his life has gone one way, and that’s up! The fog cleared, and his world opened up. Ross knows he’ll be an addict until the day he dies, but he’s grateful to understand his ADHD brain and that he had been self-medicating with drugs and alcohol for years.
Ross knows his journey is just the beginning but realises there’s so much more we could be doing to help others. In 2022 he launched RM Wellness Solutions, believing he can make a difference if people want change and are willing to work for a better, happier life.
He wants anyone struggling to know that help and answers are available but first, you must want to change and be prepared to go outside your comfort zone.
The first step is to make a decision to change and seek out the help you need. It is never too late.
Ross says “ultimately, we have to be the change we want to see in ourselves and the world”.
VOLUNTEER
MARCUS
Marcus originally saw an Instagram post of founder Daniel O’Reillys asking for Moderators to help with his Facebook Group M.A.T.E.
Marcus jumped at the chance to help others to not go through what he had. Marcus went through a massive divorce which caused him to turn to alcohol and drugs as his way of dealing with the situation.
Marcus has been sober for 3 ½ years and started his own business as a sobriety and transformation coach to help others to not end up in the situation he did or help them to recover from that situation.
Marcus now takes part in many fitness challenges, pushing himself to continue being the best version of himself he can be.
Marucs also runs his own Podcast to support his business in helping other men transform their lives.
VOLUNTEER
LUKE HALE
With over two decades of experience across the dynamic landscapes of digital advertising, web design, and graphic design, Luke bring a wealth of knowledge and creativity to the table.
Following this, Luke transitioned to a National Forces Charity, where he took on the role of managing a dedicated group of support workers. Their mission was to carry out impactful projects for the families of the fallen. In this role, Luke also spearheaded all advertising and marketing efforts, leveraging his extensive background to enhance the organization’s outreach and support initiatives.
At the National Charity that Luke worked for he also acted as the liaison officer where he had to book in and talk to the families of the fallen. This was very overwhelming at times but very rewarding. Listening to all their stories and how they lost the member of the family.
For the past five years, Luke have been running his own creative design company, where he continues to innovate and drive results for his clients.
His professional journey has been marked by key roles such as Web Designer, Graphic Designer, and Marketing Manager, each of which has honed his skills and fuelled his passion for creating compelling visual narratives and effective marketing strategies.
He volunteered to join the MATE team to help men with mental health issues.
This has really opened up his eyes but makes it all worthwhile seeing the results of the groups help with Luke playing a significant role.
VOLUNTEER
OLIVER JAMES
Oliver has worked in the construction industry for 20 years. During this time not only has he witnessed colleagues fall victim to mental health issues and addiction, he’s also found himself in the same boat. Around 6 years ago there was a realisation of the importance of being proactive at keeping health & wellbeing on-track and how they are directly related to our mental health. Oliver is an advocate of generating the right conversations that aren't happening all too often. It's because of this he volunteered to assist moderating the M.A.T.E Facebook group.
VOLUNTEER
Jason Clayton
My name is Jason Clayton, and I met Dan roughly 15 years ago when he came to Hull through a mutual friend. We traveled to a few of his gigs and have followed Dan ever since, enjoying his content. I was a hardworking family man, but unfortunately, my relationship hit the rocks. I made the biggest mistake of my life by putting my trust in the family court system. After years of fighting and spending £20,000, I realized the system is broken. I began speaking more publicly about my journey to raise awareness. Dan commented on one of my posts and became aware of my struggles. When I saw that he was creating MATE and needed moderators, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to help and guide others. Today, we have some great lads in the group who support each other, and we hope to make a difference
VOLUNTEER
JOIIN OUR TEAM
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Contact us today.