Heads Up is a charitable organisation providing trained and experienced volunteer therapists who are experienced in treating victims of psychological shock to attend disaster sites across the globe.

Founder - Dov Benyaacov-Kurtzman FRSA RSW(ISR) BA, LLB (LAW), BSW, PgDip Psychiatry

Dov Benyaacov-Kurtzman is a psychotherapist with a wealth of training and experience in several disciplines. His work shows us that valued action, small or big, can bring us together and help healing.

Dov merited a private audience with HRH Prince William in recognition for the contribution of his charity organisation with their psycho-trauma work in the UK after a series of terror attacks and man-made disasters.

His cutting-edge 6-pronged approach to cognitive psychological first aid teaches us how to bring quickly and effectively those affected by psychological shock from helplessness to effective functioning.

Dov has been referred to as a deep and compassionate human with immense pragmatism, energy, coherent direction, and a sense of justice.

Dov has written a book called Mind Over Terror – 3 Weeks 2 Cities 1 Mission, a true story of three significantly traumatic events which affected two UK cities. Dov embarked on one incredible mission: a mission to change the way we approach mental health in dealing with survivors of psychological shock and trauma in the UK.

Dov is an experienced trainer in Cognitive Psychological first aid and in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. He also hosts a number of social media live shows including interviewing the world’s leading psychologists and authors in mental health and a daily mental health show for the general public.

mental health manchester

Board of Trustees

  • Adam LeightonBSc (Chairman)
  • Miriam (Isolde) Ben Hirsch-Gornemann MD, PhD,MPH
  • Brian McCallum BA

Exec Steering Committee

  • Jane Silver
  • Terry Morley
  • Angela Glasgow
  • Hannah Collins
  • Kimberley Cairns
  • Jo Almond
  • Thomas McGowan

Honorary Advisors

Apart from our permanent team members, we are extremely fortunate to have received support at the outset as well as ongoing consultation by a body of internationally renowned academic and professional experts who act as patrons and advisers, including;

  • Professor Steven Hayes (Originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
  • Dr. Louise Hayes (Co-Author of DNA-V for Adolescents)
  • Dr. Moshe Farchi (Originator of 6 C’s psychological first aid)
  • Professor Yori Gidron (Expert in Cognitive Psychological First Aid (zone 2) and originator of MSI )
  • Dr. Einat Hoffman (Expert in acute psychotrauma interventions)
  • Dr. Naftali Halberstadt (Head of CBT faculty – YANAR College)
  • Professor Mooli Lahad (Expert in acute psychotrauma interventions)