It’s Time to Talk: 8 Trending Mental Health Advocates You Need to Hear

Approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health challenge each year .

Speaking up can not only raise awareness and quash stigma, but has the power to motivate, inspire and show others that they are not alone in this fight.

We are fortunate enough today that businesses are acknowledging the importance of starting this dialogue with their employees. With some highly emotive and inspirational stories from sufferers of mental health in our little book of contacts , we decided that we should expand the conversation a little further.

With this in mind, here's 8 mental health speakers to spark a conversation.

Katie Piper

Rebuilding her life after surviving a brutal sulphuric acid attack in 2008, Katie Piper  in an incredibly strong and inspirational woman. In her early twenties, she embarked on a successful modelling and TV career when an ex-boyfriend threw acid at her destroying all the skin on her face, neck and hands. After 2 years of anonymity, Katie spoke out about her attack in a moving documentary ‘My Beautiful Face’. Receiving an overwhelming amount of support, Katie went on to create a four-part series, one of them showing how she regained sight in her left eye, and wrote a best-selling book, Beautiful.

“TV, Magazines etc can make us feel like we are constantly surrounded by beautiful people we can’t compete with but you must put this into perspective and know that it's not even that person’s reality - most of these images are from professional shoots, using teams of hair, make up , styling etc and all polished off with photoshop.”

Read Katie Piper's Interview Here Dr Sabina Brennan

Dr Sabina Brennan’s life-changing techniques transform everyday brains into super-brains. A chartered psychologist, neuroscientist, award-winning science communicator and author of the international bestseller 100 Days to a Younger Brain. Sabina is on a mission to help millions of people enjoy the benefits of having a Super Brain.

Sabina’s interactive sessions harness the latest cutting edge neuroscience to reveal the secrets of the most underused resource on the planet – the human brain. Her resources have helped thousands of boost their brain health, build resilience, to think faster, sharper and better. Sabina is a TV and radio panellist, including a regular wellness spot on national afternoon TV (The Today Show – RTE).

Why not watch Sabina in action when she spoke at our Virtual Masterclass: Managing Our Mental Health This Winter  showcase event.

Bryony Gordon

Author and journalist,  Bryony Gordon , is one of The Telegraph’s most-loved columnists, a bestselling author, and an advocate for mental health issues, having always been open about depression and anxiety. A figurehead for today’s mental health movement, Bryony’s ventures include starting a podcast called Mad World, where her first episode featured Prince Harry opening up about his mental health struggles. Breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health, Bryony is standing up and sharing her story in the hope that others will do the same.

“Mental illness has power over you as long as you don’t tell anybody about it. It lies to you: it tells you that you’re a freak; it tells you that you’re alone; it tells you that no one is going to understand what you’re going through – and that’s a lie.”

Read Bryony Gordon's Interview Here : Mental Illness Only Has Power If You Don't Talk About It Stephen Fry

Writer, actor, comedian, broadcaster, director, librettist and compere (the list goes on!), Stephen Fry, has intelligent witticisms and brilliant presenting skills which have cemented him as a much-loved household name. Speaking out about his long battle with depression and bipolar disorder, he aims to reframe the narrative and give a clear picture of the side of mental health that many people are unaware of. Creating the BBC2 documentary The Secret Life on the Manic Depressive, he consults fellow sufferers, Tony Slattery and the late Carrie Fisher, in a triumph against stigma.

Clark Carlisle

A former professional footballer and Chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association, Clarke Carlisle  is also an ambassador for the mental health charity Mind. After suffering from mental health issues including depression, Clarke speaks openly about his battle, including attempting to take his life on two occasions. Sharing his story with eloquence and honesty, Clarke is working to break down the stigma around these issues.

“It is absolutely vital that we open up and talk about mental health. One of the worst things you can do when you lock up these thoughts and listen to the inner voice is that you allow yourself to be lied to. That voice tells us that you are on your own, and that’s not the truth.”

Clarke, and his wife Carrie, joined us for our Virtual Masterclass: Managing Our Mental Health This Winter  showcase event

Jordan Stephens

Before embarking on his mission to deconstruct the negative effects of Toxic Masculinity, Jordan Stephens  was best known as one-half of the pop duo, Rizzle Kicks. Now publicly open about his struggles with mental health, Jordan has created the mental health campaign #IAMWHOLE, which has already reached over 120 million people. Designed to help others speak openly and honestly about their feelings through the #, the campaign aims to highlight the fact that no one is ever alone.

“The stigma side of it was something I could see was becoming a problem for a lot of other people, so I became more passionate about sharing my story, as I wanted other people to feel safe enough to do the same.”

Read Jordan Stephen's Interview Here: Tackling Mental Health As A Whole Mark Rice-Oxley

Head of special projects at The Guardian, Mark Rice-Oxley leads a team of investigative journalists, but is also a provoking speaker on mental health. Drawing parallels with his own experiences, Mark’s first book, Underneath the Lemon Tree, is an insightful memoir about his battle with depression. Retracing the months of utmost despair, Mark captures the nature of this illness with brave clarity. He hopes that more men will recognise periods where things just don’t ‘feel right’, and realise that there is no weakness in seeking help. By telling his story, Mark strives to enable others to tell theirs.

We were delighted Mark hosted our Virtual Masterclass: Managing Our Mental Health This Winter .

Hayley Mulenda

After nearly committing suicide in 2016, Hayley Mulenda  realised the urgency of mental health issues amongst young and BAME people. Now a mental health advocate, Hayley uses her personal experiences and works with a diverse range of organisations to support young people. She believes in turning pain into purpose and is committed to sustaining a healthy mental wellbeing.

“One way we can open the conversation up around mental health is understanding that there is power in vulnerability. Not many people see the power in sharing their weaknesses, trials and tribulations but if there’s one thing we all have in common, it’s feelings. Everyone can relate with emotions, everyone can relate to having a stressful moment, or experiencing sadness. I think creating a space where people can be vulnerable and share their experiences is actually healthy.”

Why not watch Hayley speaking at our Virtual Showcase: Stress Awareness Month Preview .

For further information or to book one of our speakers, call us on   or email  info@speakerscorner.co.uk .

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