Mental Health (Health & Wellness) Speakers

Ruby Wax

A qualified psychotherapist, Ruby has made the leap from brash television star to respected campaigner, writer and communications expert. She shows how leadership skills can be taught then honed like a muscle, and how techniques she used in celebrity interviews translate directly into the boardroom – witness the clip of her talking to Madonna. The Veuve Clicquot Woman of the Year also talks about her work to raise awareness and public understanding about depression and mental illness, and how to cope better with the stresses of the modern world.

Jonny Wilkinson

The man who won England the World Cup, Jonny became one of the most famous rugby players ever when his drop goal decided the final in the dying seconds of the game. He went on to become one of the most decorated players in the game, becoming the highest international points scorer and a role model of professionalism and sportsmanship. The public success was only part of the story, however, and Jonny speaks frankly and inspiringly about the pressure of expectation, the mental health implications of leading a life defined by others, and how his lessons can offer practical advice to anyone seeking a more balanced, rewarding and meaningful life.

Dame Kelly Holmes

Colonel Dame Kelly Holmes is a British icon and inspiration. After joining the army at seventeen, she cemented her place in history as the first women ever in Great Britain to win two gold medals at the same games at the Athens Olympics.

Fearne Cotton

Fearne is one of the most recognisable TV and radio hosts in the UK. She’s also a bestselling author and founder of the wellbeing brand Happy Place, which became the premise for her chart-topping podcast.

Dr Linda Papadopoulos

One of the highest-profile psychologists in the UK, Linda's work on self-image has informed everything from government policy to marketing campaigns. As an academic, author and consultant she also looks at wider issues of professional and personal change, what motivates us, and understanding what our goals are. From peer-pressure and social media to work-life balance and dealing with uncertainty, Linda examines how to work towards happiness, balance and fulfilment in an insightful and accessible way.

Alastair Campbell

Alastair ran Labour’s communications for ten years, in and out of government. Alongside co-hosting The Rest is Politics podcast, he advises on both political and organisational strategy, as well as working extensively with charities and campaigning around mental health. He’s written a slew of books including Winners, drawing inspiration from high achievers in sport, business and politics. In presentations Alastair explains what to do when you come under pressure: “Challenge your basic assumptions, put yourselves in your opponent’s shoes, devise a tight plan from the centre... and then pursue it with aggression.”

Professor Tanya Byron

An experienced consultant clinical psychologist, Tanya is also a writer and broadcaster tackling subjects from serious behavioural problems to workplace stress and the effects of living in the digital age. She has worked with the NHS, government, academia and broadcasters to introduce policy and widen understanding of mental health and work-life balance in the digital age.

Clarke Carlisle

Clarke made over 500 senior level appearances and led the football players’ union. He has also written a powerful memoir. Clarke is open about his struggles with alcohol, depression and gambling – the strains of a multi-billion pound industry in which both fans and club believe they own you. He’s similarly candid about racism and the Kick It Out campaign. Clarke talks about diversity and culture change in a game traditionally associated with macho behaviour.

Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton

One of the most senior women in the fire service, Sabrina combines experience in making tough decisions in pressurised, stressful situations with studying the behavioural neuroscience of decision making. As well as insights into leadership and risk, her own personal story - homeless at 15, a firefighter at 18, combining frontline service with studying for a PhD in Psychology - is a lesson in resilience, determination and achievement.

Dr Alex George

Alex is a television doctor and the UK Government's Youth Mental Health Ambassador. From his humble beginnings as a Medicine student, he has created a social media empire with over a million followers, and uses his platform as a force for positive change. An advocate for positive mental and physical health, he is on a mission to make mental health sit amongst maths and English on the national curriculum.

Petra Velzeboer

Petra is the CEO of mental health consultancy PVL. She was born and raised in the infamous Children of God cult, conditioned to believe that she was being groomed to save the world. Having escaped that world, she now talks to audiences about her ultimate rock bottom, her battle with mental illness including addiction and depression, and her subsequent transformation leading to her founding a flourishing mental health business.

Dr Julia Jones

Julia has been immersed in neuroscience and physiology for over thirty years, viewing creativity and productivity through the lens of science. She explains how to use biohacks to boost performance and wellbeing without having to completely change your life..