Whysup

Earlier this week, some of the Whysup team were at the Creative Individuals studio filming new lived experience content.

We never take for granted what it takes for someone to show vulnerability and share their story in front of a camera.

Every person at Whysup has their own story. They’ve faced challenges, shown resilience and had to rebuild in their own way.

It’s those experiences, alongside their professional skills, that make them the perfect people to deliver our lived experience education programmes.

We’re looking forward to the rest of the team filming in September and to sharing more of the people behind Whysup, their stories and their experiences over the coming weeks and months.

From rock bottom to sharing his story in a book about resilience and survival.

Our co-founder, Mark Murray, is one of the co-authors featured in Joe Foster’s How To Survive & Thrive - Special Edition.

There’s also a nice connection to home, with Joe having co-founded Reebok right here in Mark’s hometown of Bolton.

Mark has always been open about his own journey through mental health struggles, addiction and recovery. It’s the experience that ultimately led to Whysup and the work we do today.

In his chapter, Mark shares part of that journey and one of the lessons that has shaped his life:

“Asking for help is a powerful first step. Following it up with action is what creates change.”

For Mark, being part of the book isn’t about recognition. It’s about putting something down on paper that his children, and one day his grandchildren, can read and understand a little more about where he came from and why he does what he does.

We’re incredibly proud to see his story alongside Joe Foster and the other contributors.

We used to worry about this. 🍺
But what happens when young people replace it with something else?

For years, conversations around young people and substance use have often focused on alcohol.

Drinking too much. Using alcohol to feel more confident. Relying on it to cope in social situations.

Some young adults are reportedly turning to prescription drugs such as pregabalin and propranolol to manage social anxiety.

For some, it might start with wanting to feel calmer on a night out or more comfortable around other people.

But when you begin to feel like you need something just to be yourself, that's where the conversation becomes important.

We need to ask why.

Why are young people feeling so anxious in social situations?

Why do some feel they need a substance to cope?

And how can we give them healthier ways to manage those feelings before reliance develops?

The substance might be different.

The reason behind using it might not be.

Source: The debate over young people taking prescription drugs instead of alcohol

A special shout out to everyone who received their GCSE results today.

We hope you got the results you were hoping for.

For those who didn’t, dust yourself down and go again. Your results don’t define you, and there are always different routes to where you want to be.

The show goes on 🙂👊🏻

So far this year, we've had the privilege of delivering our services to

19,126 people in 2026.

But what those numbers don't show are the conversations that happened afterwards.

The student who realised they weren't alone.

The teacher who felt better equipped to support their students.

The colleague who decided to speak up and say “I need help”

The parent who finally started a conversation at home.

The person in rehab who now has hope they can turn their life around.

Every workshop, every presentation and every story shared is another opportunity to remind someone that there is hope, support is available and that things really can get better.

To every school, business, partner and individual who has invited us in, trusted us with your people and joined us on this journey...

Thank you.

We're incredibly proud of what we've achieved together so far, but we're only just getting started.

Here's to many more conversations that make a difference.

#2026

Glad to support this great initiative 💚

Could help someone you know ❤️

We’re incredibly proud to be supporting Bolton’s own Jack Clare as he continues an amazing journey in MMA.

At just 13 years old, Jack is already representing Team England, having secured a bronze medal at the European Championships. Now, his next challenge is even bigger - the 2026 World Championships in Abu Dhabi.

The focus, discipline and dedication it takes to compete at this level at such a young age is incredible to see.

At Whysup in the Community, we want to champion young people who are working hard, following their passions and setting a positive example for others.

Jack, everyone at Whysup is right behind you.

Good luck in Abu Dhabi. Go smash it! 👊