Speak Up & Dance was founded by a group of friends in November 2025 in memory of their dancefloor brother, Stuart Shone, who tragically took his own life in April 2021.

The aim is to bring people together through a shared love of music – predominantly house - creating a non-toxic, welcoming dance floor where love, hope and connection can be experienced by everyone.

By creating this space, we hope those struggling with their mental health feel encouraged to speak up, dance, and feel seen and supported. If just one person chooses the dance floor over isolation or suicide, we’ve achieved something meaningful.

We are a completely non-profit collective, running Bristol club nights where our DJs – both SU&D residents and guests from across the UK – give their time free of charge. Funds are raised through donations at events and through our fundraising partner, Music for Walking, which releases weekly DJ mixes on Soundcloud to help promote exercise and support mental health.

Having lost Stuart at peak male suicide risk age (in the UK, 76% of suicides are male, with highest risk at ages 50–54), and knowing Bristol-based Talk Club (registered charity no: 1194033) was founded following a similar loss, they are a natural charity partner for SU&D. All funds go directly to them.

By donating to our fundraiser, you will help Talk Club grow its Talk & Listen, Talk & Exercise, and Talk Club Therapy groups – safe, confidential spaces that encourage men to open up and take charge of their mental health/fitness, and ultimately prevent suicide.

Music For Walking is our offshoot project, offering new music each week to encourage getting out and about.

You can find lots of music here:

https://soundcloud.com/simon-lloyd/sets/music-for-walking

Speak Up & Dance is Stuart’s legacy.

Thank you for your support.

SU&D 🧡

Follow us on Instagram @speakupanddance