The Team
And Who We Are
Andy
Founder of Signals of Hope
& Essex Ambassador
Hi, I'm Andy Lee, Founder of Signals of Hope.
After living with my own mental health challenges for many years, I know just how important it is to find something that helps you switch off from the pressures of everyday life. For me, that was metal detecting.
What started as a hobby quickly became far more than simply searching for history. The peace and quiet of the countryside, the focus of listening for a signal, the exercise, and the friendships I made along the way all played a significant role in improving my own wellbeing. That experience inspired me to create Signals of Hope, so others could discover those same benefits.
Signals of Hope provides free metal detecting experiences for people who may be struggling with their mental wellbeing. Whether it's a relaxed one-to-one session or joining a larger group dig, our aim is to provide a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where people can slow down, reconnect with nature, build confidence, and simply enjoy being outdoors. No previous experience is needed—we provide the equipment, guidance, and support every step of the way.
Based in Colchester, Essex, I now lead a growing team of ambassadors across the UK and internationally, all sharing the same vision: using the unique benefits of metal detecting to help improve lives and remind people that hope can often be found in the most unexpected places.
I am DBS checked and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trained, and I am committed to ensuring that every participant is supported with professionalism, compassion, and understanding.
One Signal at a Time isn't just our motto—it's the belief that even the smallest positive step can make a life-changing difference.
Michael
Senior Ambassador
Kent Ambassador
I’m Michael.
You'll usually find me out in the fields, enjoying the fresh air, chasing signals, and appreciating the peace that metal detecting brings.
For me, metal detecting is about far more than what comes out of the ground. It's an opportunity to step away from the pressures of everyday life, reconnect with nature, learn something new, and help preserve small pieces of our shared history.
That's one of the reasons I'm proud to be part of Signals of Hope Detecting. I believe that sometimes a quiet field, a good walk, and the sound of a detector are all it takes to help someone clear their mind, reset, and begin to feel a little better.
As part of my role, I am DBS checked and committed to providing a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for anyone who joins us on one-to-one wellbeing sessions.
💙 Sometimes you find history. Sometimes you find hope.
Deano
Derbyshire Ambassador
Deano is our Derbyshire Ambassador for Signals of Hope, bringing many years of metal detecting experience and a genuine passion for helping others. He shares the same mission of using time in the field to support mental wellbeing, offering a friendly and encouraging presence to those trying something new. Alongside detecting, Deano also runs his own 3D printing setup, creating unique items and adding another layer of creativity to what he does. His experience, kindness, and drive to give back make him a key part of the Signals of Hope team.
Al
Southport Ambassador
I live in Southport and started detecting nearly five years ago.
I started detecting to help with my mental health and I can say it certainly did.
I now run the Southport Metal Detecting Group UK on Facebook .
We are a group that prides itself on being supportive and helpful in anyway we can.
We don't run digs but we have regular meet ups on the beach, which is perfect for anyone new to detecting and to chat to other Detectorists and have a bit of a laugh as well.
Jackie
Suffolk Ambassador
Jax is our dedicated Suffolk Ambassador for Signals of Hope, committed to helping people improve their mental wellbeing through the positive benefits of metal detecting. Although she has been metal detecting for only a couple of years, her passion for the hobby, combined with her genuine desire to support others, is evident in everything she does.
With almost 30 years of professional experience in safeguarding and supporting individuals with learning disabilities, Jax brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and understanding to her role. She is also DBS checked, providing additional reassurance to those taking part in our one-to-one wellbeing sessions.
Jax's calm, patient, and welcoming nature helps participants feel comfortable from the very beginning, encouraging them to step outside, enjoy the outdoors, and experience the therapeutic benefits that metal detecting can offer. Her commitment to helping others and creating a safe, supportive environment makes her an invaluable member of the Signals of Hope team.
Andy
Essex Ambassador
Hi, I'm Andy.
After a 40-year break from metal detecting, returning to the hobby reminded me just how important it is to step away from the pressures of everyday life. For me, spending time in the countryside with a detector isn't simply about uncovering history—it's about mindfulness, fresh air, gentle exercise, and giving myself the opportunity to completely reset.
Away from the fields, I enjoy researching local history, writing about my discoveries, and building lasting friendships within the detecting community. As I approach retirement, I wanted to dedicate more of my time to something with real purpose. Becoming part of Signals of Hope has enabled me to turn a lifelong passion into an opportunity to support others, encouraging them to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience the positive impact that metal detecting can have on mental wellbeing.
My understanding of mental health comes not only from personal experience but also from many years of supporting my family. Having spent more than 25 years raising children with mental health challenges, I understand the importance of patience, compassion, and being there for people when they need support the most. I have also been diagnosed with PTSD, giving me first-hand insight into the daily challenges that many people face and reinforcing my belief that spending time outdoors can play an important role in improving wellbeing.
I believe that sometimes the greatest discoveries aren't the ones we recover from the ground, but the moments of peace, confidence, and hope we find along the way. I'm proud to be part of Signals of Hope and to help others discover those moments for themselves.
Jelly
Essex Ambassador
Hi, I'm Jelly.
Based in Colchester, I discovered metal detecting in March 2023 after undergoing ankle reconstruction surgery and looking for a new hobby to support my recovery. I threw myself into the hobby from day one, and it has genuinely transformed my life.
Metal detecting has become far more than a pastime. It has played a huge role in supporting my mental wellbeing, helping me through some difficult periods while giving me the opportunity to escape the pressures of everyday life. Whether I'm detecting with friends or spending a quiet day in the countryside on my own, being outdoors, surrounded by nature, brings a real sense of peace, perspective, and balance.
I've been fortunate enough to uncover some incredible historical finds, but the greatest treasures I've found have been the friendships, support, and sense of belonging within the detecting community.
Alongside my passion for metal detecting, I am also Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trained, providing me with the knowledge and skills to recognise when someone may be struggling and to offer appropriate support when it's needed.
Joining Signals of Hope has given me the opportunity to combine my professional experience with something I truly love. I'm passionate about helping others discover how metal detecting can improve mental wellbeing, build confidence, reduce isolation, and remind people that sometimes the greatest thing you find in a field isn't what's beneath the ground—it's hope.
Katy
Somerset Ambassador
My name is Katy and I’m proud to be the new Somerset Ambassador for Signals of Hope.
I’ve been metal detecting for the past 9 years, and what started as a hobby quickly became something much more meaningful. During my own struggles with mental health, metal detecting gave me a reason to get outdoors, clear my mind and focus on the excitement of discovering history beneath my feet. It brought me moments of peace, purpose and positivity when I needed them most. Because of my own experiences, I’m passionate about helping others discover the same benefits that metal detecting has given to me.
As a Signals of Hope ambassador, I hope to encourage and support people living with mental health difficulties by introducing them to a hobby that promotes wellbeing, connection with nature, and the simple joy of exploration. I truly believe that metal detecting isn’t just about finding lost treasure – it's finding hope, building confidence and creating friendships along the way. I’m honored to be part of a charity that shares those values and look forward to helping more people across Somerset to experience the positive impact this amazing hobby can have. It certainly saved me.
Paul
Australian International Ambassador
Paul Connell, better known as EverydayDetectorist, is a Sydney/Wollongong-based metal detectorist, content creator, and Nokta NOMAD Brand Ambassador. Through his YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook platforms, Paul inspires thousands of detectorists by sharing his passion for history, adventure, and the positive impact that metal detecting can have on mental wellbeing.
Before becoming a full-time advocate for the hobby, Paul spent almost 40 years in education, including senior leadership roles supporting vulnerable and at-risk young people. His career was dedicated to helping others find confidence, purpose, and direction—values that continue through his work with Signals of Hope.
For Paul, metal detecting is about far more than the discoveries beneath the ground. The research, time spent outdoors, quiet reflection, and friendships built within the detecting community have shown him just how powerful the hobby can be in improving mental health and helping people reconnect with themselves.
Alongside creating content, Paul operates the EverydayDetectorist Store, producing his own conservation and cleaning products while supplying quality detecting accessories to customers across Australia and internationally. He is also a regular contributor to the Treasure and Tales podcast and is widely respected within the Australian detecting community.
As Signals of Hope's International Ambassador for Australia, Paul shares our belief that metal detecting can offer hope, purpose, friendship, and healing. His experience, compassion, and commitment to supporting others make him an invaluable part of our growing team.
"The ground doesn't give up its best finds easily. Neither does recovery. Both reward the ones who keep showing up."
— Paul Connell
