Episode 2. The Power of 'Why': Mental Health, Leadership and Hope, Jon Manning, Founder and CEO, Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation

About this episode

Jon Manning discusses his journey in founding the Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation and the importance of mental health support.

Charity Stories from Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast: Jon Manning on building Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation Dean Jones speaks with Jon Manning, founder/CEO of Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation, about turning lived experience of trauma and mental illness into accessible one‑to‑one support – no waiting lists, no thresholds.​ From childhood abuse, four‑year NHS waits and a Priory breakthrough to starting a charity on 57p, they explore crisis leadership, team wellbeing and why mental health underpins so much else.​ For charity leaders, mental health practitioners, funders and partners seeking grounded insights on innovation, safeguarding and lived‑experience ​ Contents 00:00 – Welcome 01:51 – Early experiences (“How did they shape your understanding?”) Childhood abuse, failed CAMHS​ 03:32 – Family history & name 06:35 – From surviving to helping (“What moved you?”) Empathy to fix systems.​ 08:54 – Turning point Priory diagnosis, traffic lights decision.​ 12:39 – Evolving ‘why’ Mass training to one‑to‑one.​ 13:38 – Covid surge Daily referrals, willingness to seek help.​ 16:22 – Arthur Ellis model (“How do you introduce it?”) Ages 8+…

People in this episode

Host: Dean Jones

Guest: Jon Manning

Topics covered

• mental health
• leadership
• charity
• trauma
• support

Keywords

• crisis leadership
• team wellbeing
• innovation
• safeguarding
• lived experience

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation

Books & works: The Power of 'Why', Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast

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