Beth's mum died when she was 20, and since then Beth has been on a mission to talk through the taboo of grief. Beth's mum died when she was 20, and since then Beth has been on a mission to talk through the taboo of grief. < Back Beth French Specialisms: Grief and Mental Health Beth's mum died when she was 20, and since then Beth has been on a mission to talk through the taboo of grief. She founded the charity Let's Talk About Loss, which supports young grievers aged 18-35 by creating safe, supportive, open and empowering spaces to talk about grief. info@speakerscollective.org BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION Submit Thanks for your speaker request and we will be in touch soon.

Lucy Hobbs is a neurodivergent (Autistic and ADHD) ex-advertising creative and highly experienced at neurodiversity advocacy and public speaking.Lucy Hobbs is a neurodivergent (Autistic and ADHD) ex-advertising creative and highly experienced at neurodiversity advocacy and public speaking. < Back Lucy Hobbs Specialisms: ADHD, Autism, Neurodiversity at work, Creativity and Neurodiversity, Accessibility (design and communications), ND Leadership Lucy Hobbs is a neurodivergent (Autistic and ADHD) ex-advertising creative and highly experienced at neurodiversity advocacy and public speaking. Lucy founded The Future is ND in 2018 to address the lack of awareness and inclusion of neurodivergent people in the advertising industry, where she has worked as a creative for 30 years. Lucy discovered her ADHD in 2007 after hitting rock bottom, self-medicating with alcohol and drugs since age 14, broken relationships, unemployment, cycles of burnout, and making the same mistakes over and over again. She could generate award-winning ideas in her creative work but struggled with the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities that others found easy. Later, in 2021, she found out she was also autistic. ADHD didn’t have all the answers. Getting diagnosed was an empowering experience for Lucy. It gave her reasons for her erratic behaviour and differences, and access to information and support which helped her understand how her brain worked, and how to live a more authentic and healthy life. However, for almost 10 years Lucy didn’t disclose her neurodivergence at work for fear of stigma. Being freelance her reputation was everything, and advertising is an unforgiving industry. So she tried to mask it, which caused more anxiety and was detrimental to her well-being. Then in March 2018, Lucy had a change of heart after speaking openly about her neurodivergence at an industry conference. This was a pivotal moment for Lucy. She knew she had to continue the conversation and help change the narrative to keep speaking up and encourage others to do so too - to collectively raise awareness, in a safe space, and overcome prejudice and fear of discrimination as a community. All her work; including hosting events for the ND community, neurodiversity at work consultancy, keynotes, workshops, and creative direction, is led with a clear mission to educate and inform organisations and society on how to embrace and empower a more neurodiverse workforce and world. Clients include Axa Healthcare, Universal Music, Giphy US, Havas, Publicis, Ogilvy, National Grid, Coca-Cola, Sky, Pension Bee, and many more… https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLRu9eVGZZjO4xzUkfim82LQG7rZCo6Dtx&v=dgaWabABsFk info@speakerscollective.org BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION Submit Thanks for your speaker request and we will be in touch soon.

Dave is a number 1 best selling author, award-winning stand up, presenter and mental health campaigner.Dave is a number 1 best selling author, award-winning stand up, presenter and mental health campaigner. < Back Dave Chawner Specialisms: Masculinity and mental health, Eating Disorders and Comedy Dave is a number 1 best selling author, award-winning stand up, presenter and mental health campaigner. Dave presented for BBC's Tomorrow's World and has appeared on BBC, ITV & Channel 4 on such shows as BBC Breakfast, Lorraine & Good Morning Britain. He’s a regular presenter on the Talk Radio Breakfast Show as well as appearances on Radio 1, Radio 2 & Radio 4. His book Weight Expectations became a best-seller just 3 days after being released. Dave has also written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Metro, Cosmopolitan, GQ & Reader's Digest. Dave talks about masculinity, mental health and eating disorders sensitively injecting humour to make dark topics more engaging. His previous clients include Microsoft, Red Cross, Save The Children, Mind, The Mental Health Foundation and numerous government departments. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqbL-UhhyPk info@speakerscollective.org BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION Submit Thanks for your speaker request and we will be in touch soon.

Sam is an idea generator with the ability to not just think outside the box but dissect and repurpose it.Sam is an idea generator with the ability to not just think outside the box but dissect and repurpose it. < Back Sam Geldard Specialisms: Suicide prevention and postvention, Trauma, disenfranchised grief, bereavement and loss, attachment theory and relational dynamics, lived experience of a chronic condition, neurodivergence, children and young people's mental health, men’s mental health Sam is an idea generator with the ability to not just think outside the box but dissect and repurpose it. Sam brings enthusiasm and authenticity to her work. Sam inspires hope through sharing lived experiences. Sam uses her skills as a therapist to encourage reflective thinking and accountability. Sam is an integrative therapist and associate trainer for various nationwide mental health organizations. Sam has a background in education and extensive experience supporting neurodivergent individuals. Sam shares her lived experience of mental health and neurodivergence alongside her professional training and experiences. Sam studied an MSc in attachment theory, research and practice at Roehampton University and is qualified to conduct various attachment assessments. Sam offers training in workplaces to raise awareness of relational dynamics, how we interpret and react based on our own attachment patterns. Sam can create bespoke trainings and workshops for all aspects of mental health and well-being. Sam offers presentations, talks, workshops and keynote speeches. Sam is based in Kent and is happy to travel. info@speakerscollective.org BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION Submit Thanks for your speaker request and we will be in touch soon.

Jo Moseley calls herself a Joy Encourager, Midlife Adventurer and Beach Cleaner. Jo Moseley calls herself a Joy Encourager, Midlife Adventurer and Beach Cleaner. < Back Jo Moseley Specialisms: Menopause, Healthy Ageing, Plastic Pollution, Paddleboarding, Outdoors + Mental Health Jo Moseley calls herself a Joy Encourager, Midlife Adventurer and Beach Cleaner. In 2019, aged 54, she became the first woman to stand up paddleboard coast to coast picking up litter and fundraising. A film about the challenge called Brave Enough - A Journey Home to Joy has been screened at film festivals and online to critical acclaim. She hosts a very popular podcast The Joy of SUP - the Paddleboarding Sunshine Podcast. Jo’s first book is being published in June 2022 by Vertebrate Publishing. She speaks about the joy of movement and being outdoors after grief, anxiety and a difficult menopause. Jo believes you’re never too old for an adventure and it’s never too late to make a difference. info@speakerscollective.org BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION Submit Thanks for your speaker request and we will be in touch soon.

Amit is an accredited coach, working with leaders and aspiring leaders to help unlock their potential and realise their goals. Amit is an accredited coach, working with leaders and aspiring leaders to help unlock their potential and realise their goals. < Back Amit Kalley Specialisms: Mental Health, Wellbeing, Parenting, Leadership, Coaching Amit is an accredited coach, working with leaders and aspiring leaders to help unlock their potential and realise their goals. As a former senior leader in secondary education, Amit also works as a parent and teenage coach, helping clients navigate those challenging years. His particular areas of expertise include parenting styles, mental health, wellbeing and working with clients to think outside of the box. Amit also provides keynote addresses in the corporate world relating to parenting, mental health, wellbeing and ensuring individuals have an appropriate work/life balance. As a child of Indian and Tanzanian parents, and having lost his mother to ovarian cancer, Amit also strives to help people and organisations create more diverse and fair environments for people of all kinds. info@speakerscollective.org BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION Submit Thanks for your speaker request and we will be in touch soon.

Hansa is the founder of Holding Space, a charity dedicated to providing parent peer support to those navigating mental health challenges within their families.Hansa is the founder of Holding Space, a charity dedicated to providing parent peer support to those navigating mental health challenges within their families. < Back Hansa Raja Specialisms: Parent Peer Support, Mental Health, Wellbeing, Workplace Wellbeing Hansa is the founder of Holding Space, a charity dedicated to providing parent peer support to those navigating mental health challenges within their families. She established the organization after experiencing first hand the lack of available support for both her daughter, who faced mental health struggles, and for herself as a parent. Her commitment lies in amplifying the voices of parents, ensuring they receive the support they need at home and in the workplace. With a background in nursing and extensive experience in the charity sector, Hansa has held senior roles that involved developing services, managing projects, and leading teams. She also works as a lived experience partner with national organizations; The Charlie Waller Trust and NHS England, advocating for parent peer support. Notably, she was part of the team that developed the first competency training for parent/carer peer support workers. Hansa frequently uses her lived experience to educate in schools and corporate settings, and has made appearances on radio and television to raise awareness. Through her journey, Hansa has seen first hand the profound impact that compassion and collaboration can have in transforming lives and strengthening communities. Hansa would be thrilled to speak about her experiences working with education, health & social care, and corporate organizations. She is passionate about sharing her lived experience and how supporting parents can truly make a lasting difference. Residing in Eastbourne, East Sussex, with her children and her dog, Nala, Hansa enjoys beach walks and spending quality time with family and friends. info@speakerscollective.org BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION Submit Thanks for your speaker request and we will be in touch soon.

Maxine Frances Roper is a writer and speaker. Maxine Frances Roper is a writer and speaker. < Back Maxine Roper Specialisms: ADHD, Dyspraxia, Mental Health, Suicide Bereavement, Co-production Maxine Frances Roper is a writer and speaker. She started her career in media and journalism and moved into copywriting and communications work within the charity sector following multiple experiences of suicide loss. She is the co-author of ‘Finding the Words’, a guide to supporting someone bereaved or affected by suicide, a member of the National Suicide Prevention Alliance (NSPA)'s Lived Experience Network, and an Ambassador for Suicide&Co, who provide pay-what-you-can counselling for people bereaved by suicide. Maxine has also used her lived experience to promote better understanding and support for neurodivergent adults. Her first book, a survival guide for dyspraxic and ADHD women, is due for publication in 2024. Her first novel ‘Catch A Moving Train' is due out on submission within the next year. Maxine is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a former Trustee of the Dyspraxia Foundation. info@speakerscollective.org BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION Submit Thanks for your speaker request and we will be in touch soon.

With over a decade of experience leading work to tackle racism, and improve  outcomes for people living with mental illnesses, Steve Gilbert OBE is the go-to  speaker, consultant and coach for organisations serious about delivering meaningful  change. With over a decade of experience leading work to tackle racism, and improve  outcomes for people living with mental illnesses, Steve Gilbert OBE is the go-to  speaker, consultant and coach for organisations serious about delivering meaningful  change. < Back Steve Gilbert OBE Specialisms: Lived experience leadership, reducing inequalities, mental health and Anti Racism Coaching, Bipolar Disorder and PTSD With over a decade of experience leading work to tackle racism, and improve outcomes for people living with mental illnesses, Steve Gilbert OBE is the go-to speaker, consultant and coach for organisations serious about delivering meaningful change. Widely recognised for his deep understanding of the issues, powerful presentations, clarity of communication, warmth and relatability, meticulous planning, and striking candour, Steve has been trusted to both deliver and chair keynote speeches at industry leading events. Having battled with mental illness since his late teens, experiencing the painful depths of Depression, destructive highs of Bipolar Disorder, and heart-breaking episodes of Suicidal Ideation and attempts, Steve has repeatedly had to fight for his life. Against the backdrop of psychological abuse from his parents and siblings Steve has continued to display grit and determination as he overcomes the obstacles and pitfalls that accompany life with a serious mental illness. As a Dual-Ethnicity child, with a Black father and a white mother, growing up in a largely white neighbourhood, Steve grew up not ‘fitting in’. As he grew older Steve became aware of the role racial discrimination had in the high rates of serious mental illness on his father’s side of the family. It is his personal and familial experiences which drive Steve’s work. Steve was awarded an OBE in 2019 Queens’ Birthday Honours List for services to Mental Health. Anti-Racism Steve has made it his life’s work to tackle racism and support organisations and leaders to become Anti-Racism organisations. Steve’s contributions include: • Challenging perceptions of Black men’s mental health – For over a decade Steve has spoken about his mental illness experiences seeking to reduce the stigma and shame within Black communities. • Reducing racial discrimination in mental health care – Steve co-chairs the innovative NHS Race & Health Observatory’s Mental Health Working Group, investing in research to transform the mental health experiences of Black and historically racialised people. • Supporting development of workplace Anti-Racism approaches – Through his Anti-Racism Leader Coaching business Steve supports people to develop the competence, confidence, and courage required to address racism in the workplace. Improving Mental Health Care Like so many others Steve started out as a Time to Change Champion, volunteering with others to engage in conversations about mental health with members of the public. A natural networker Steve went on to forge key relationships with sector leaders locally and nationally, and it wasn’t long before Steve was working with national organisations, leading to the following achievements: • Promoting the value and importance of Living Experience Leadership – Steve is a national expert in the field • Reforming the Mental Health Act – As one of three Vice-Chairs to the Independent Mental Health Act Review Steve supporting the chair in making recommendations to the Government, with a particular focus on reducing racial inequity. • Charity Governance – Steve is a trustee of Bipolar UK, having previously served as a Trustee for National Mind and The Association of Mental Health Providers. Suicide Prevention A Suicide Attempt Survivor, Steve has spent many months contemplating taking his life. Steve has collaborated with leading experts to further policy and research into the issue, including: • Academic commentator – Steve developed guidance to help clinicians identify and treat patients at risk of suicide. • Keynote Speaker – Steve excels at delivering Keynote Speeches, sensitively exploring the pain and trauma of getting support for suicidal behaviour, emphasising the roles communities can play in saving a life. • Understanding racialised experiences – Contributed to the report ‘Amplifying Our Voices: Why Racialised Perspectives in Suicide Prevention Can No Longer Be Ignored’ info@speakerscollective.org BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION Submit Thanks for your speaker request and we will be in touch soon.

I was diagnosed as autistic at the age of 37, following a period of self-reflection prompted by autism lectures during my MSc course in Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology. I was diagnosed as autistic at the age of 37, following a period of self-reflection prompted by autism lectures during my MSc course in Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology. < Back Sarah Clark Specialisms: Autism, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, yoga, wellbeing, floating I was diagnosed as autistic at the age of 37, following a period of self-reflection prompted by autism lectures during my MSc course in Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology. Two years later, I received a formal diagnosis of autism. I had already been diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in 2020. I am now undertaking a postgraduate research degree focused on reducing diagnostic delays for autistic people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. In September 2024, I completed the National Autism Trainer Programme (NATP) as an Expert by Experience in community settings. I work across various roles in clinical environments and lived experience research, and I also deliver autism training for Autism Hampshire as part of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Programme. I also sit as a patient expert in the Psychiatric and Psychological Aspects Working Group on the EDS International Consortium info@speakerscollective.org BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION Submit Thanks for your speaker request and we will be in touch soon.

Jenni combines over 18 years’ experience in local government governance policy and engagement, with powerful lived experience following her daughter Evelyn’s mental health struggles and tragic suicide in 2022, aged just 15.Jenni combines over 18 years’ experience in local government governance policy and engagement, with powerful lived experience following her daughter Evelyn’s mental health struggles and tragic suicide in 2022, aged just 15. < Back Jenni Swift Specialisms: Youth Mental Health, Parenting a child with mental health issues, Supporting a loved one with an eating disorder, Suicide bereavement Jenni combines over 18 years’ experience in local government governance policy and engagement, with powerful lived experience following her daughter Evelyn’s mental health struggles and tragic suicide in 2022, aged just 15. Jenni brings a unique blend of professional expertise and lived experience to every project, working on system transformation, policy review, and co-production to create resources that support families and improve support for mental health. She is committed to advocating for holistic family support and ensuring compassion leads the way. She has worked with schools and NHS trusts to integrate lived experience into policy development, fostering reviews and delivering meaningful change. Having experienced first-hand the detrimental impact that language can have, Jenni is passionate about improving understanding through education and training, ensuring professionals are equipped to communicate with sensitivity and care. As founder of Evelyn’s Butterfly Effect, Jenni promotes kindness, social connection, and positive change, leading small local initiatives such as wellbeing walks, and larger events and campaigns such as the Garden of Hope; a powerful and moving installation that turns a statistic into something visual and meaningful: 98 community‑decorated butterflies, each one representing and honouring a life lost to suicide in Lincolnshire in 2024. She has also contributed to national campaigns including CALM’s Missed Birthdays. Jenni speaks openly about her lived experiences to help break stigma and spark the kinds of conversations that can save lives. She tries to navigate grief with kindness and intention, showing that it is possible to move forward and truly 'live' alongside trauma and grief. Through her honesty and hope‑focused approach, she encourages others to do the same and to find their own strength in the darkest moments. info@speakerscollective.org BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION Submit Thanks for your speaker request and we will be in touch soon.

Lara works in the fiduciary industry in Guernsey and is a member of Talking Benches Guernsey. Lara works in the fiduciary industry in Guernsey and is a member of Talking Benches Guernsey. < Back Lara Turner Specialisms: Suicide Lived Experience Lara works in the fiduciary industry in Guernsey and is a member of Talking Benches Guernsey. Talking Benches is the brainchild of three Guernsey women who sadly lost their sons to suicide and who started the initiative of raising sponsorship in order to get benches made, painted bright orange and put in various locations in Guernsey to encourage people to use the benches to talk more and reach out if they see anyone struggling. Talking Benches went on to set up a suicide support and friendship group in May 2022 and since attending Lara has become involved with one of the Founders and two other ladies as part of Talking Benches with their mission being to raise awareness of Suicide and instigate changes in Guernsey. As well as working independently, Talking Benches also collaborate with other local charities such as Guernsey Mind and the Samaritans with the first Suicide Journey Conference being held in March 2024 which was a great success. Since her father took his own life in March 2022 Lara has been trying to figure our her purpose in life and has concluded that it is to make a difference in anyway that she can by raising awareness of suicide and the impact it has on others not only as part of Talking Benches but individually. She has been involved in numerous local press and media interviews, encouraging individuals to speak up and ask for help. Lara wants to share her Suicide Lived Experience, which includes the impact it has had on her and her family in order to help others. info@speakerscollective.org BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION Submit Thanks for your speaker request and we will be in touch soon.