Former Fallowfield resident and UCFB Manchester alumni Matthew Haywood, 22, was crowned the winner of BBC One’s Survivor UK in 2023, becoming the youngest ever winner of the Survivor franchise globally. He is now a rising TikTok star who has amassed an impressive 231,000 followers, and is now taking a stand to inspire young men and boys facing critical challenges today.

“I want to show that anything is possible. The pressure on young men to conform is immense. We need to break the stigma surrounding mental health, homelessness, and the pressure to fit into a specific mold.”

According to statistics from the Office for National Statistics, over 5,000 men take their own lives each year in the UK, and young men aged 15-29 are at particular risk. With rising homelessness affecting thousands, Matthew feels an urgent need to reach these individuals.

Matthew has grown up witnessing the struggles faced by many in his community in Cumbria, “I’ve been shocked to learn about the number of young men committing suicide and becoming homeless in my area. We need to open up the conversation. The recent Netflix show Adolescence and figures like Andrew Tate highlight the urgency for positive male role models. I want to stand in stark contrast to that. Men should know it’s okay to be vulnerable and seek help.”

Matthew’s career began with an array of jobs, from working in kebab shops to bricklaying, and this diverse experience taught him resilience and dedication, “I’ve always believed in hard work. Each job shaped me, adding skills and confidence. My time as a voluntary football coach has especially opened my eyes to the importance of mentorship.”

Now Matthew, who recently relocated back to his Cumbrian hometown of Workington, aims to share his experiences with younger generations, “I’ve spoken at six schools already, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to connect with these young people directly.”

In addition to being a campaigner for mental health, homelessness and youth causes, Matthew is passionate about creating engaging content on his TikTok channel, “Adventure and the outdoors are vital to my life. From skydiving to wild campaign, I want to encourage others to live fully and just try stuff out. It might be that thing you love, that ends up giving you a focus and sense of self-confidence to see you through. I often say that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. Life’s pressures can be immense, but we need to support one another. I believe every young man should know they can be anything they want to be.”

Matthew wants to encourage all young men and boys everywhere to embrace their uniqueness and feel able to open up, “We don’t need to put on a façade. It’s brave to be yourself. Together we can create a community that allows for open dialogue and support. Let’s show each other that it’s okay to reach out, share struggles, seek help, and most importantly, be there for each other.”