Paul Danan founded a community group in Bristol to support those facing addiction challenges after his own struggles with sobriety

Bristol: So, Paul Danan, the Hollyoaks star, started this amazing free community group to help folks dealing with addiction. He really knows what it’s like, having faced his own battles with sobriety. He moved to Bristol in 2021 and launched the Morning After Drama Group, or MAD for short. They offer free creative drama workshops tailored for those in need.
MAD is all about supporting people who’ve gone through tough times, whether it’s trauma, addiction, or mental health issues. Paul wanted to create a safe space for those feeling isolated, especially after the pandemic hit. It began with online sessions and has grown into a charity that helps people across the South West.
The workshops have been a lifeline for many, including prison leavers and young people from high-crime areas. They’ve even expanded their reach to London and Oxford. Paul shared that during his time on reality TV, no one really checked in on him while he was struggling with addiction and mental health problems.
He opened up about his drug use, saying he first tried cocaine at just 19 on his first day filming Hollyoaks. It’s wild how quickly things can spiral. He’s been open about going to rehab 17 times, which really shocked a lot of people.
Paul mentioned how people often care more when someone has a physical injury than when it comes to addiction. He felt ashamed and alone for a long time, but talking about it has helped him connect with others who’ve faced similar struggles.
Through his recovery, he saw how engaging with the arts can really boost confidence and create a sense of community. The MAD workshops are making a real difference in Bristol, thanks to Paul’s passion for helping others, even when he didn’t have much support himself.
The community workshops happen every Monday at 5 PM at the Unitarian Meeting Hall in St Paul’s, and there’s another one in Weston-super-Mare on Wednesdays. Paul even set up a Go Fund Me to keep these sessions free for everyone, believing that access to the arts should be available to all, regardless of their financial situation.
Sadly, news broke today about Paul’s passing, and his management described him as a “beacon of light.” Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that he was found deceased at a property in Bristol, and they’re not treating it as suspicious. His family has asked for privacy during this tough time.