Danny Bowman
Danny Bowman
Conservatism Studies Conference 2023
University of Edinburgh
January 2023
I was delighted to present my most recent research on 'Conservatism and Mental Health Policy Across the UK' at Old College, University of Edinburgh. The core findings suggest that Conservative parties across the UK diverge in their approaches to mental health policy.
Featured on BBC Morning Live - Body Image Disorders and Men.
May 2023
I was delighted to appear on BBC Morning Live's segment on body image disorders and men. I told my own story of suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder, spending 6 months housebound and fixating on my appearance. I stated the importance of men opening up about their body image issues and stressed that this was not a weakness but a strength!
If you are experiencing body image difficulties there are some great charities out there that can support you.
BBD Foundation: Home - BDDF (bddfoundation.org)
Beat: The UK's Eating Disorder Charity - Beat (beateatingdisorders.org.uk)
Featured in The I: I didn’t believe I could be a man with an eating disorder. Like Ed Sheeran, I was ashamed.
April 2023
It was great to feature in The I newspaper alongside some incredibly brave men discussing my own experience with a body image disorder. I stated how important it was for men to reach out for support at an early point to avoid reaching a crisis point. I also highlighted the need for better services for men with most interventions coming from the third sector.
If you are experiencing a body image disorder there are some great charities that can support you.
BBD Foundation: Home - BDDF (bddfoundation.org)
Beat: The UK's Eating Disorder Charity - Beat (beateatingdisorders.org.uk)
Policing and Mental Health Research Featured in The Telegraph.
February 2023
I was delighted to have my latest research on police time and mental health incidents feature in The Telegraph. The data collected showed that there had been a 20 per cent increase in mental health incidents attended by police forces in the UK last year. I called on the UK Government to produce a comprehensive strategy on mental health to address some of the core issues impacting access to appropriate health-based interventions.
BBC News Interview - Rise in Eating Disorder Admissions
January 2023
I was invited on BBC News to discuss shocking new statistics on eating disorder admissions. The data suggested that nearly 30-thousand people were hospitalised for conditions including anorexia and bulimia last year, around 40 per cent more than the year before the pandemic. I suggested that the government needs to bring forward a comprehensive prevention strategy to reduce the number of hospitalisations in 2023.
University of Liverpool Community Eating Disorder Waiting Times Research - Sky News
December 2022
Sky News featured my new research on community eating disorder service waiting times in England. The study found that on average, adults were waiting 5 months or more for treatment. The highest waiting time experienced by an NHS trust was 18 months. This study demonstrates the need for a short-term financial rescue package for services followed by a long-term prevention strategy for eating disorders.
Photo Credits: Sky News
Danny Bowman: There is a clear Conservative case for improving our care of young people’s mental health
August 2022
I wrote a recent article for ConservativeHome highlighting the Conservative case for improving children and young people's mental health. I outlined the core individual, social and economic costs of mental health disorders and the construction of a strong prevention agenda.
Read the full article here: https://conservativehome.com/2022/08/24/danny-bowman-there-is-a-clear-conservative-case-for-improving-our-care-of-young-peoples-mental-health/
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Danny Bowman: Suicide isn’t the only test of whether there’s a mental health crisis. There is – not least among young people.
August 2021
I wrote a recent comment article for ConservativeHome where I argued that the measure of a mental health crisis should be help-seeking behavior and not suicide rates. I also stated the need for a more holistic agenda on mental health with more joined-up action between welfare agencies.
Read full article here: https://www.conservativehome.com/platform/2021/08/danny-bowman-suicide-isnt-the-only-test-of-whether-theres-a-mental-health-crisis-there-is-not-least-among-young-people.html
Photo credit: ConservativeHome
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BBC Newsbeat - Male Eating Disorders
July 2021
I spoke with BBC Newsbeat about misconceptions about eating disorders and the limited access to treatment for men with body image issues.
Listen to the full piece here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000y0ny
Source: BBC Newsbeat
Report - A Degree of Support: The Prevalence of Poor Mental Health and the
Availability of Support in English Universities
Before and During Covid-19 appears on Guido Fawkes Political Website
March 2021
It was great to see my recent report for Parliament Street on university mental health rates and the availability of support before and during Covid-19 appear on the Guido Fawkes website.
You can read the full report here- http://parliamentstreet.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/A-Degree-of-Support.pdf
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Mental Health in Education Event - Conservative Education Society
January 2021
Great to speak alongside Tom Hunt MP at the Conservative Education Society event on student mental health. A really productive discussion was had with some great ideas about how we can improve outcomes for our children and young people.
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The Dan Draper Podcast Appearance
December 2020
Delighted to appear on the Dan Draper Podcast discussing my journey through mental illness (Body Dysmorphic Disorder), my recovery and the importance of mental health support in schools, colleges and more!
Appearance on Channel 4's Steph's Packed Lunch
November 2020
I was delighted to appear on Channel 4's Steph's Packed Lunch Show to share my own experience of mental illness, how I recovered and my tips for others going through a similar situation.
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'Instagram and Facebook should label images where bodies have been altered to look ‘perfect’, MPs told - The Independent - October 2020
Great to appear in The Independent Online with my comments on the moral responsibility of social media platforms to keep young people safe.
Check out the full article here: https://inews.co.uk/news/health/instagram-facebook-label-images-bodies-altered-733276
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Women and Equalities Committee Evidence Giving
October 2020
It will great to submit evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee for their report on Changing the perfect picture: an inquiry into body image.
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BBC 5 Live Hooked Podcast
August 2020
It was great to appear on BBC 5 Live Hooked Podcast discussing my own experience of mental health issues, the impact of social media on them and how we must aim to connect and not compare online.
Click on photo for link!
Men Get BDD Too with Omari, Danny and Callum
July 2020
It was great to sit down with Callum and Omari to discuss our experiences with BDD, the pressures on male body image and how to overcome this debilitating illness for the BDD Foundation.
You can see the work of the BDD Foundation here: https://bddfoundation.org/
The Sunday Times - Men 'are invisible victims of eating disorders epidemic'
July 2020
It was great to comment on behalf of MalevoicED charity about the rising pressures being placed on male body image and why we need to improve access to care for males with eating disorders
Police and Mental Health Research in the News!
February 2020
My latest research for Parliament Street appeared in the Sunday Mirror, Sunday People and the Daily Mail Online.
It found that UK police dealt with around 500,000 mental health-related incidents in 2019. I called for more investment in mental health services to end the false economy of limiting investment in mental health services only to find vulnerable people ending up in contact with the police.
I discussed the effect that shows like Love Island could be having on young people's concerns about their body image and the subsequent side-effects of that being steroid abuse. I also called on social media companies to step up their efforts to make their platforms safer for young people.
Steroid Abuse Interview on Sky News
January 2020
Latest research featured in the Sunday Mirror!
December 2019
Delighted to see my recent Parliament Street research in the Sunday Mirror. We must protect our police as much as they protect us! The Home Secretary must step up support for police well being.
Link here: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/british-police-took-almost-500000-21144455
Comment for Acre Recruitment
October 2019
I spoke to Acre about the important role employers have in maintaining the positive mental health of their employees!
Check out the full article here: https://www.acre.com/…/a-third-of-workers-consider-leaving…/
The Observer - Commenting on eating disorders among males.
October 2019
I commented in the Observer UK on the barriers males face when attempting to access treatment for eating disorders and other body image difficulties.
The Telegraph - Danny introduces MaleVoiced Charity .
September 2019
I introduced MaleVoiced, a charity for males experiencing eating disorders in which I am Vice-Chair in the Telegraph.
The Commentator - The Conservatives must not forget about mental health
September 2019
I write for The Commentator on why the conservatives must not forget about mental health and continue the work in creating a truly 21st century mental health system in the UK
View Article http://www.thecommentator.com/article/7442/the_conservatives_must_not_forget_about_mental_health#disqus_thread
Indus News - Is There a Connection Between Excessive Social Media Usage and Depression?
July 2019
I spoke to Indus News about the risks of excessive social media usage on a persons mental health. The need for validation, pressure on body image and other risks were discussed.
1 in 16 Report Covered by Education Business and FE News
July 2019
My recent 1 in 16 report and research indicating 1 in 16 university students were attempting or accessing counselling support in the academic year 2018/2019 was covered by Education Business and FE News.
Bournemouth University Conference 2019 -Emotions in Eating Disorders: What We Know and What We’re Doing About It
May 2019
Bournemouth University Conference 2019 -Emotions in Eating Disorders: What We Know and What We’re Doing About It
May 2019
I had the pleasure of speaking at and taking part in a Q&A on behalf of MaleVoicED at Bournemouth University on the subject of emotions in eating disorders.
The Big Issue- Changemakers: Body dysmorphia nearly killed me. Now I’m helping others
May 2019
The Big Issue- Changemakers: Body dysmorphia nearly killed me. Now I’m helping others
May 2019
I spoke to the Big Issue about my journey from being housebound with Body Dysmorphic Disorder to becoming Head of Campaigns at Parliament Street, Vice-Chair of MaleVoicED and a University student. I spoke of my passion to see others struggling recover and follow the same path.
Danny: 200 Selfies A Day To Mental Health Campaigning
May 2019
Danny: 200 Selfies A Day To Mental Health Campaigning
May 2019
I worked with the Mental Health Foundation talking about my experience with mental health problems stressing that recovery is always possible!
Good Morning Britain: Instagram Are to Trial Hiding Likes to Create a Healthier App
May 2019
Good Morning Britain: Instagram Are to Trial Hiding Likes to Create a Healthier App
May 2019
I debated with Piers Morgan on whether removing likes on Instagram is good for the mental health of its users. Source: Good Morning Britain
Sky News Interview on male body image pressures.
April 2019
Sky News Interview on male body image pressures.
April 2019
I spoke with Kay Burley on Sky News about the body image pressures facing males and the potential solutions to reduce the impact such pressures have on their mental health.
Source: Sky News
Sky News Interview on youth suicide
March 2019
Sky News Interview on youth suicide
March 2019
I discussed the doubling of suicides among children and young people stressing the importance of expanding mental health provision to meet the need.
Source: Sky News
Speaking at the launch of MaleVoicED in the House of Lords.
March 2019
I spoke at the launch of the charity MaleVoicED which i am Vice-Chair. MaleVoicED is a charity supporting males experiencing eating disorders and co-morbid conditions.
Speaking at Public Policy Process Event: Addressing Dangerous Diets - Changing our Understanding of and Response to Eating Disorders.
February 2019
Speaking at Public Policy Process Event: Addressing Dangerous Diets - Changing our Understanding of and Response to Eating Disorders.
February 2019
Speaking on BBC Radio 4 Today programme about the rise in eating disorders among men
December 2018
Check it out from 52 mins https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0001822
Sky News Interview on A&E mental health admissions
September 2018
Sky News Interview on A&E mental health admissions
September 2018
I spoke on Sky News about my latest research on the number of people ending up in Accident and Emergency departments because of self-harm and suicidal thinking in 2017. The number reached 32,000 attendances in England.
I spoke to the Times about how we as a society are becoming addicted to ourselves through social media and the negative effect this type of focus is having on our mental health.
The Times: The Circle: Channel 4 show ‘glamorises social media deception’
September 2018
The Times: The Circle: Channel 4 show ‘glamorises social media deception’
September 2018
I spoke to the Times criticising the new show 'The Circle' for glamorising deceit online. Click above to see full article.
Sky News Interview on CAMHS waiting times
August 2018
Sky News Interview on CAMHS waiting times
August 2018
I spoke on Sky News about my research on Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting times. The research showed that over 6,000 children and adolescents were waiting for psychological therapies as of June 2018 with the average number of young people awaiting therapy at 326. It was also found that 60.8% of trusts had over 100 children and adolescents awaiting treatment
Source: Sky News
I spoke to the Daily Telegraph about the dark side of taking selfies and the detrimental effect social media can have on someone's mental health. Click above to see full article.
Sky News Interview on Police time dealing with mental health related incidents
March 2018
Sky News Interview on Police time dealing with mental health related incidents
March 2018
I spoke about the latest research I did on behalf of Parliament Street on the number of police incidents relating to mental health. There was 294,318 mental health related incidents.
Inspirational Story: ITV Fixers
March 2018
Inspirational Story: ITV Fixers
March 2018
I spoke about my journey from suffering severe mental illness to playing my part to help those experiencing mental health problems.