Outta Puff Daddys - Supporting Mental Health

Hello, my name is Paul Jukes (crew name: JUKEBOX), and I am the Leader / Artistic Director of an amateur, male-only, over 40's dance crew from Brighton, UK. We're called the Outta Puff Daddys and use our profile to encourage change in society's approach to mental health.

I am asking for your financial support through kind donations enabling me to continue the mental health awareness work that I have tirelessly committed myself to for the past 3.5 years. Your support will enable me to dedicate more time on this work that I am so passionate about, helping me reach more people and hopefully change more lives for the better.

Here is a summary of my story and how your generous donations will be used...

Initially founded in 2012 by local dance teacher JP Omari, we first got together as a bit of fun after taking our children to street dance classes. We rehearsed secretly to perform at their annual dance showcase and were hugely successful, so we vowed to continue dancing.

The sudden impact of a founding member passing away (during our early rehearsals) drew us closer together. It was the first trigger to me how vital this unique male social network was for our mental well-being.

In 2017 I suffered my own period of depression - a hugely challenging period of my life, and one that still impacts me today. Having a strong male social bond with whom I could share my vulnerabilities and emotions was integral to my recovery.

Following my own experience, I became deeply passionate about doing all I could to encourage change in society's approach/acceptance of mental health.

In Spring 2020, as one of the original founding members, I took over the leadership role. Even though it was a daunting prospect and with no previous dance teaching experience, I embraced the opportunity recognising the vast potential to create positive change in society's approach and acceptance of mental health.

At this point, through my guidance and shared creativity, our social media content began to amass thousands of followers and millions of views. Our profile and mental health message is now truly being heard and supported worldwide.

It is shocking to consider that in the UK, the biggest killer of men under 45 is suicide. This is not only profoundly tragic, but it is also largely preventable.

As a group of men, our camaraderie and friendship goes far beyond just dancing. We have supported each other through various personal tragedies and challenges. Our close bond provides a safe space to share our vulnerabilities, emotions and discuss our mental well-being.

We break through all stereotypes surrounding traditional masculinity, encouraging others to talk openly about their mental health.

In some shape or form mental health impacts everyone globally, and yet the stigma still causes so much shame, fear, doubt, isolation and misunderstanding. Until we start to view mental health in the same way we view our physical health, we’ll continue to face the devastating consequences caused by stigma.

We use our social media profile and public appearances to actively promote improved mental health strategies - encouraging others to:

In addition to the crew profile, I also provide Motivational / Emotive Talks to schools, colleges and work places detailing my personal story and the strategies I have embraced. Strategies that not only supported my initial recovery, but also still use on a regular basis to underpin my on-going health.

I receive regular heartwarming messages detailing the positive impact I / we have made to their lives. They actively use the strategies I share along with our fun, uplifting routines as part of their daily mental well-being.

Our story and message has since been featured globally on various broadcasts, including the BBC, ITV, NBC, Channel10, radio, podcasts and printed features.

Now reaching millions worldwide, our content highlights the positive change we can all make to other people's lives. It is incredible to know that we are making a real difference, but much more work must be done.

I am passionate about reaching and supporting even more people, encouraging positive change and removing mental health stigma.

In October 2022, I launched the OPD Community. Research has found that loneliness can treble by late middle-age and that shared experiences have a number of positive influences on our emotional wellbeing and connectedness. Our behaviour is often shaped by our interactions and relationships with others. Participating in a group activity provides a sense of value and belonging.

I want to develop a global OPD Community, where I empower & support the development of other like-minded dance groups. Targeting those over the age of 40, these positive community focussed groups will be for men and women interested in creating new social connections and mental wellness from the shared experience of learning fun, non-competitive choreographed dance routines.

The OPD Community will create a global shared community spirit, supporting mental well-being and social connectivity...one dance step at a time!

As you can imagine, managing the crew and developing all the various performances, talks, PR, media and messaging opportunities is a full-time job for which I currently have little/no funding - all of my time is provided voluntarily. I was struggling to find the time around my main employment, so in July of 2022, I decided to change this balance to dedicate more time to the circulation of our important message, to connect with and support many more lives. This is where I am now asking for your help.

To empower others and make the impact that is truly needed, I am asking for your financial support through kind donations. This will enable me to dedicate more time to this valuable work and a message that I am so passionate about, helping me reach more people globally and change more lives for the better.

This is how any kind donations will be used...

Much of the above, I am currently unable to provide. However, your kind donations will allow me to fully embrace the opportunities, reach more people and truly create positive change.

I will provide regular feedback and updates to all donors ensuring they are fully aware of the impact they are making.

I know the cost of living is a burden to us all at the moment, and I fully respect you might not be in a financial position to donate large sums of funding. Even a small donation will be massively appreciated and make a huge difference. If your amazing donation helps me reach and change the mindset of just one person, then all of this will have been worth it.

I send a HUGE THANK YOU to anyone that can donate, whatever the amount - you truly are supporting a worthwhile cause.

Together we can help improve the lives of many...we are all STRONGER TOGETHER.

Thank you,

Paul JUKEBOX

Outta Puff Daddys

Leader / Artistic Director