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Tom Stroud and Dan Shrigley are the co-founders of Shoulder to Shoulder, one of the UK’s fastest-growing men’s mental health communities, which hosts more than thirty events each month to tackle adult male loneliness and strengthen social connection. Drawing on their own experiences and the influence of their fathers, Tom and Dan deliver engaging keynotes on men’s mental health, workplace connection and long-term happiness. Their honest storytelling and practical insights make them sought-after speakers for corporate wellbeing programmes, leadership events, conferences and organisations looking to foster more connected, psychologically healthy cultures.
The pair first connected after Tom’s appearance on ‘Love Is Blind’, when a viral clip of him discussing masculinity and emotional openness was sent to Dan. United by a shared belief that meaningful friendships are essential to mental wellbeing, they transformed a conversation into action by co-founding Shoulder to Shoulder. Their first public walk and coffee event in Hyde Park demonstrated how simple, inclusive spaces could help men build genuine connections, laying the foundations for a movement that continues to grow.
Today, Tom and Dan lead a thriving community of more than 1,700 highly engaged members, with events taking place across the month to encourage openness, belonging and lasting friendships. Their lived experience of building a successful grassroots movement enables them to share practical strategies for creating connection, resilience and healthier workplace cultures, giving audiences actionable ideas alongside powerful personal stories.
Their impact has earned widespread recognition. Shoulder to Shoulder has been featured in ‘The Times’, ‘The Independent’, ‘Cosmopolitan’ and on BBC Radio 4, while its content has generated millions of social media views. They have collaborated with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan on an anti-manosphere campaign, partnered with B Corp healthcare company Sons to raise awareness of male hair loss, delivered a keynote with Good Chat, and were accepted to march as an official Pride in London community. Praised by ‘The Independent’ as “the modern men’s club fighting loneliness” and by ‘The Times’ as an “anti-mansplainer community”, Tom and Dan inspire audiences to build stronger relationships, challenge stigma and create lasting cultures of connection.
“Thanks to Tom and Dan for their brilliant and inspiring talk. It clearly hit home for many of the team, I had so many people reach out to me who wanted to feedback how well thought out the talk was, and how inspired they felt following. The work they’re doing is clearly incredibly impactful to so many people. I shouldn’t have favourites – but it was the best one yet.”
“We had the pleasure of Dan and Tom speaking at a business event with several hundred clients and partners in attendance. In my opinion, Shoulder to Shoulder was the highlight of the speaking sessions, with loads of positive feedback. We’re already looking for future sessions where they could play a role. Big thanks to Dan and Tom for their professionalism, authenticity, and ability to connect with a wide audience.”
“We worked with Dan and Tom to host a men’s mental health panel as part of the UK launch of an internationally recognised journal brand. They were incredibly collaborative, allowing us to shape topics which were relevant to men across the country, hosted with authority and sensitivity, and gave all attendees incredible insights into their work with Shoulder to Shoulder and the broader challenges facing men today.”
The Mental Health Speakers Agency has been one of the UK’s leading bureaus for emotional wellbeing experts since 2020. We supply speakers for corporate and public events across the world, and cater to both in-person occasions and online webinars. Our roster includes athletes, psychologists, celebrities and more, to ensure that audiences of all demographics receive tailored, impactful mental health guidance.
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