Class of 2004
Communications Arts
Country – United Kingdom
CEO of Menfulness
IF YOU STUDIED YOUR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME AT YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY OR FOUNDER COLLEGES, DID YOU GO ON TO POSTGRADAUTE STUDY?
No.
WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN THIS PHOTO AS YOUR YSJ SNAPSHOT?
I chose this photo of me receiving my honorary degree because it captures a truly full circle moment. As a proud York St John graduate, standing on that stage 21 years later to receive this honour was deeply emotional and meaningful. It reminded me how education shapes who we become, not just through knowledge but through the people, experiences and values we carry forward. This moment represents gratitude, growth and the power of giving back. It is a celebration of how far we have come and how every journey can inspire others to rise too.
WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND YSJ TO SOMEONE?
I would recommend York St John University because it has given so much to me, both personally and professionally. It is more than a place of study; it is a community that stays with you long after graduation. The people, the values and the sense of belonging shape you in ways that last a lifetime. YSJ encourages you to find your purpose, to believe in yourself and to make a difference in the world. It is a university that lifts you up and reminds you that you are always part of something bigger.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY OR FOUNDER COLLEGES?
I chose York St John University because I did not want to go to a big university. I wanted to be part of a close community where I could really experience student life and feel a sense of belonging. YSJ offered exactly that. From the moment I visited, I immediately knew it was my place. The warmth of the people, the supportive atmosphere and the beautiful campus in the heart of the city all made it feel like home. Choosing York St John was one of the best decisions I ever made, and it shaped who I am today.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING SINCE COMPLETING YOUR STUDIES?
Since completing my studies at York St John University, life has been a journey filled with purpose, connection and community. I met my wife, Rose, at YSJ, and together we have built a family with two wonderful children. We are also Shared Lives carers, which is similar to fostering but for adults with learning difficulties who live with us full time. Two days a week I deliver suicide prevention workshops for York CVS, funded by Public Health at City of York Council. For the rest of the week, I am CEO of Menfulness, a local charity supporting men’s mental health. Research by the YSJ Institute for Social Justice helped us secure funding from the Integrated Care Board to expand our work to Scarborough.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR SPECIFIC COURSE?
I chose my course because I wanted to explore the power of the arts as a form of therapy and connection. I was drawn to how creativity can be used to support wellbeing, expression and personal growth, and I loved that this was such an important part of the course at York St John. It gave me the space to connect my passion for the arts with a deeper purpose of helping others. The ideas and experiences I gained then continue to shape my work today, especially in our Next Gen Menfulness workshops.
WHAT WERE THE BEST FEATURES OF YOUR COURSE?
The best features of my course were the freedom to learn, to grow and to support others. Nothing was ever wrong, everything was a learning experience. I especially enjoyed delivering interactive workshops in a special needs school, where creativity and connection came to life in the most meaningful ways. One of the most memorable moments was the “Under the Sea” experience, which profoundly shaped me and deepened my understanding of empathy and inclusion. The course encouraged exploration, compassion and real-world impact, and those lessons continue to guide everything I do today.
HOW DID STUDYING AT YSJ HELP IN YOUR CAREER SEARCH/SUCCESS/CURRENT ROLE?
Studying at York St John University truly shaped me. Serving as President of the Students’ Union after graduating gave me invaluable leadership and community-building experience. YSJ taught me confidence, resilience and the importance of connection, skills that have guided me throughout my career. Once a John, always a John.
WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A CURRENT STUDENT, OR ONE ABOUT TO GRADUATE?
The one piece of advice I would give is the same as in my graduation speech: find your gift and give it away. Life is too short to hold back what makes you unique. True success comes not just from what you achieve for yourself, but from the difference you make for others. Use your talents to lift people up, and you will always find meaning in what you do.
In 2025, Jack received a Honorary Doctorate from York St John University. You can listen to Jack’s graduation speech here:
For more information on Menfulness, please visit their website: https://menfulness.org/
Listen to Jack, alongside York St John graduate and co-founder of Menfulness Dan Braidley, speak more about his amazing career and setting up Menfulness here: