Dr Shantanu Kundu is a medical doctor, social entrepreneur, and national leader in youth mental health. Dr Shan is the Chief Executive of the Be Free Campaign, a charity he established as a teenager to transform how young people understand, access, and sustain their mental health.
Combining lived experience with clinical expertise, Dr Shan has built Be Free Campaign into a youth-led organisation that delivers early intervention programmes, community initiatives, and national campaigns. Under his leadership, the charity has supported thousands of young people across the UK, particularly those from racially marginalised and disadvantaged backgrounds, and has shaped conversations on equity and inclusion in mental health.
Alongside his role at Be Free Campaign, Dr Shan works as an NHS doctor and Innovation Consultant at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where he focuses on applying creativity, technology, and systems change to improve health outcomes. He also advises on policy and strategy at local and national levels, championing approaches that centre lived experience and reduce health inequalities.
Recognised for his leadership, Dr Shan has spoken at national conferences, contributed to media discussions, and partnered with leading organisations to drive innovation in youth mental health. His work is grounded in the belief that change must be both community-led and evidence-based, ensuring that every young person has the tools and support to thrive.
