Duncan Craig: MA Couns (with Dist). MBACP.

Service Director.

Duncan spent the first 10 years of his working life in the theatre, arts and entertainment. From tourist attractions to major UK theatre, museums to local arts organisations, Duncan spent the latter 5 years as Director of PR and Marketing touring the UK with some of the best shows to come out of the West End and Broadway.

In 2005, Duncan began his training to become a qualified counsellor and decided to have a complete career change after volunteering in a busy City Centre needle exchange. He spent the next few years working within a voluntary sector drug service both in harm reduction and treatment services, specialising in working with male and female sex workers, people affected by HIV and Hepatitis C, and in sexual health.

Duncan qualified from the University of Manchester as an Integrative Counsellor in 2008, having completed his clinical practice in both a voluntary and NHS setting. Always looking for ways to develop his professional practice, Duncan has completed a MA in counselling, graduating 2010 with Distinction, and is looking forward to beginning his doctorate in 2012.

As well as being the Founder and Service Director for Survivors Manchester, Duncan also offers his services as a therapist at The Lesbian and Gay Foundation and acts as a consultant for a voluntary service engaging through the arts with young men at risk of sexual exploitation.

What would you like to see Survivors Manchester do in Manchester?

It is my dream for Survivors Manchester to be able to offer a first class service to adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, regardless of when the event happened.

I would like to see Survivors Manchester work with other services in the community to get the message out there that men are suffering in silence and it doesn’t need to be that way!

Do you have a message for Greater Manchester residents?

Please open your eyes and begin to see that men can be victims too!

Sexual abuse affects us all, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, economic status, disability. We need to work together to give support to those affected, in order for them to move forward and make positive life choices.

What's your favourite thing about Manchester?

The people!

Manchester is so diverse and communities really do come together, especially in times of need. We have so many first’s here!

To pick one… it would have to be the vast array of arts venues on offer, from the Palace Theatre to Royal Exchange, Odeon to Cornerhouse.