Hannah Sturland is a champion of mental health awareness and a self-published author.Hannah Sturland is a champion of mental health awareness and a self-published author. < Back Hannah Sturland Specialisms: Mental health and mental health inclusion Hannah Sturland is a champion of mental health awareness and a self-published author. Writing became an anchor for Hannah as she experienced her own mental breakdown back in 2018. Channelling her feelings and reflections onto paper, she soon made her diary into a book - ‘100 Days’ - an honest and thought-provoking account, full of practical tips and insights on mental health. Motivated by her own experience and determined to bring a step-change to mental health awareness in the workplace, Hannah set up her own charity ‘The Mental Health Community’ in 2019. The charity is dedicated to making work a safe place for people with a mental health condition. Her focus is the impactful ‘Community Headspace’ programme which she has successfully delivered among a variety of organisations, all dedicated to ensuring that their working culture is as accessible and inclusive as possible. Hannah lives with her family in Devon. A big fan of the power of sea air, as time allows, she also loves to catch the odd wave. info@speakerscollective.org First name Last name Email Your Phone Number About Your Event or Project Speaker or Persons Requested Date picker Event Type Select Event Type Address Submit BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION

In 2017 I became aware that something wasn’t quite right. I was struggling with a busy operational role, people management and day to day life. After a number of ‘wake up’ calls I realised I needed help. In 2017 I became aware that something wasn’t quite right. I was struggling with a busy operational role, people management and day to day life. After a number of ‘wake up’ calls I realised I needed help. < Back Dawn Kirk Specialisms: Mental Health, Anxiety, codependency and burnout In 2017 I became aware that something wasn’t quite right. I was struggling with a busy operational role, people management and day to day life. After a number of ‘wake up’ calls I realised I needed help. I now use my lived experiences to help others after working through a number of areas, including anxiety, codependency and burnout. I’m a lead MH first Aider and Mental Health champion within my organisation and I also work to support a number of charities outside of my organisation, along with being a proud Ambassador for This Can Happen. I share my own lived experiences to help others open up about their own feelings and what they might be struggling with. I am passionate about driving initiatives and helping to normalise the conversation around Mental Health and broader well-being. info@speakerscollective.org First name Last name Email Your Phone Number About Your Event or Project Speaker or Persons Requested Date picker Event Type Select Event Type Address Submit BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION

Joanna Oliver, also known as ColonCoach, is a keynote speaker and patient-advocate specialising in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), biologic and immunotherapy treatments, chronic illness, isolation, and the hidden psychological impact of long-term disease.Joanna Oliver, also known as ColonCoach, is a keynote speaker and patient-advocate specialising in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), biologic and immunotherapy treatments, chronic illness, isolation, and the hidden psychological impact of long-term disease. < Back Joanna Oliver Specialisms: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Biologic & Immunotherapy Treatments, Chronic Illness, Disability Advocacy, Psychological Impact of Long-Term Disease Joanna Oliver, also known as ColonCoach, is a keynote speaker and patient-advocate specialising in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), biologic and immunotherapy treatments, chronic illness, isolation, and the hidden psychological impact of long-term disease. With over 20 years of lived experience of severe IBD, Joanna speaks with rare authority and compassion about the realities patients are often too embarrassed or frightened to articulate. Her work helps individuals, healthcare professionals, and institutions create clearer, more honest conversations around symptoms, side-effects, mental health, and quality of life. Joanna is an NHS Peer Leader (Level 3) and has collaborated with the University of Bath, the NIHR, an American Crohn’s Committee, and clinicians across the colorectal and surgical fields. She is currently writing a book for publication in the United States. Her medical journey includes: 15 years of biologic therapies A temporary ileostomy A full panprocto-colectomy PTSD related to long-term hospitalisation Recurrence of Crohn’s disease post-surgery This journey profoundly shaped her life, including the inability to have children and the continued need for biologic medication. Despite this, Joanna’s work is defined by resilience, clarity, and determination to empower others. Joanna developed a practical communication framework known as “The Three C’s”, designed to help patients articulate symptoms quickly, clearly, and confidently to healthcare professionals — improving outcomes while reducing distress and misunderstanding. Her work also includes a confidential one-to-one peer support service, delivered via Zoom or email, tailored to individual needs. Her key speaking topics include: Biologic and immunotherapy use in IBD Reducing NHS waste caused by unused biologics through better patient education Depression, isolation, and agoraphobia linked to chronic illness Trauma and fear associated with long-term hospital stays Employment, HR, and social barriers faced by chronically ill patients Improving primary care communication and early-stage patient support Joanna speaks to universities, students, academies, charities, HR teams, and hospital trusts, delivering talks, workshops, and keynotes globally — in person or online via Zoom or Teams. She is fully legally covered, works within strict confidentiality boundaries, and approaches every engagement with integrity. While Joanna is not motivated by monetising her lived experience, she is deeply committed to raising awareness, improving pathways to care, and connecting people with trusted, lived-experience support. info@speakerscollective.org First name Last name Email Your Phone Number About Your Event or Project Speaker or Persons Requested Date picker Event Type Select Event Type Address Submit BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION

Watford based neurodiverse artist, Vijay Panchal, specialises in character design, visualising dreams, and emotions. Watford based neurodiverse artist, Vijay Panchal, specialises in character design, visualising dreams, and emotions. < Back Vijay Panchal Specialisms: AuDHD 🧠 Character Artist🦸♂️Workshop Facilitator 🖌️ Public Speaker 🎤 Hidden Disabilities⛈️🦓💜🌻 Intersectionality 🌈 Suicide Prevention 🎗️ CPTSD ⚡ Watford based neurodiverse artist, Vijay Panchal, specialises in character design, visualising dreams, and emotions. ART: In 2010, Vijay attained his BA (Hons) in 2D Digital Animation focusing on communicating emotions through anthropomorphic characters. Vijay’s work has continued to organically grow, he has combined expressionism and figurative art to create series of compositions on different media such as prints and T-Shirts. His struggles with expression have inspired him in his goal to help others express themselves. WORKSHOPS: Due to battles with chronic ailments, Vijay is currently working on voluntary and charitable commissions and workshops of which he has accumulated 12 years of experience. From 2021 he has exhibited locally in Hertfordshire and at the Brick Lane Gallery. In 2022 he was a Finalist on the 7th Abstract International Juried Art Competition and Longlisted for the Visual Artists Open. In 2023 Vijay completed the Hatch New Founders Launchpad Programme to develop facilitating his art wellbeing workshops. He has held them at Parallel Windsor, the Disability Awareness Festival, A2ndvoice, AIM and The London Interdisciplinary School. ADVOCATING: Vijay has recently engaged in public speaking advocating for Neurodiversity, Intersectionality, Hidden Disabilities, Suicide Prevention and CPTSD. In 2024 he has spoken on Charlie Hart's - Club Ausome Live Episode 3 - Mental Health Awareness Week Neurodivergence and CPTSD, Louder on Set by Anna Wallace at Parallel Windsor, Uncommon Journeys, Savia Rocks - Us People Podcast and Impact 73. info@speakerscollective.org First name Last name Email Your Phone Number About Your Event or Project Speaker or Persons Requested Date picker Event Type Select Event Type Address Submit BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION

Alison Blackler is a passionate transformational mind coach, author, and speaker, she has spent nearly three decades diving deep into the fascinating world of the human mind. Alison Blackler is a passionate transformational mind coach, author, and speaker, she has spent nearly three decades diving deep into the fascinating world of the human mind. < Back Alison Blackler Specialisms: Leadership, Resilience, Transformation, Mental Health, Power of language Alison Blackler is a passionate transformational mind coach, author, and speaker, she has spent nearly three decades diving deep into the fascinating world of the human mind. Why? Because she's driven by a powerful blend of curiosity, honesty, and a burning desire to make a genuine difference in people's lives. That's the heart behind 2minds – it's her platform to inspire, empower, and help individuals unlock their full, incredible potential. As a TEDx Speaker, Alison shared her insights on "The Problem with Generational Stereotypes at Work," a talk that highlights her commitment to building understanding and collaboration in workplaces. As an award-winning mind coach, Alison takes everything she's learned and uses it to empower leaders and teams to navigate complexity, reduce drama, and cultivate modern leadership that truly works wonders. Her approach isn't about quick fixes; it's about real, lasting transformation. She brings neuroscience-backed strategies to help individuals build unshakeable confidence, kick imposter syndrome to the curb, and master those tricky conversations. Her unique blend of deep expertise, engaging storytelling, and practical tools ensures audiences leave with actionable strategies to develop resilience and drive lasting success. Alison truly believes in the incredible power of the human spirit and is committed to supporting people to live their best lives. Ready to empower your teams, create a high-performance culture, and inspire a mindset of growth, confidence, and peak performance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sROEYi9XC80 The problem with generational stereotypes at work | Alison Blackler | TEDxNorthwich info@speakerscollective.org First name Last name Email Your Phone Number About Your Event or Project Speaker or Persons Requested Date picker Event Type Select Event Type Address Submit BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION

MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS Meaningful Conversation Losing A Parent To Suicide This Meaningful Conversation brings together Maike Mullenders, Anna Wardley, Katie Irvine, Jack Mathews and Jon Salmon to talk about Losing a Parent to Suicide. WATCH NOW SPOTIFY PODCAST APPLE PODCAST Meaningful Conversation Poetry: how it might become an unexpected part of your mental health toolkit This Meaningful Conversation brings together the author Rachel Kelly who found poetry was a way through severe depression, and distinguished poet and filmmaker Pele Cox to talk about why and how poetry can help our emotional well-being. WATCH NOW SPOTIFY PODCAST APPLE PODCAST Meaningful Conversation - Telling Stories The Brain, Trauma And Creativity This Meaningful Conversation brings together experts on the brain, creativity and storytelling. Lorna Collins (neurodiverse author, and artist) leads a fascinating conversation with Michael Rosen (author, storyteller, and survivor) and Professor Anthony David (Director, UCL Institute of Mental Health) talking about telling stories, being creative, the brain and our mental health. WATCH NOW SPOTIFY PODCAST APPLE PODCAST Meaningful Conversation - #HonestyAboutEditing Activist and campaigner, Suzanne Samaka and comedian and author, Dave Chawner join body image advocate Emi Howe. This Meaningful Conversation was recorded just before Eating Disorders Week and the trio came together to discuss where we're at with our bodies. WATCH NOW LISTEN NOW Meaningful Conversation - Responding to suicide and its impact Speakers Collective Founder Member Angela Samata talks to Dr. Sharon McDonnell, Managing Director of Suicide Bereavement UK, and Ann Marie McStocker, Health and Wellbeing Project Manager at Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. WATCH NOW LISTEN NOW Meaningful Conversation Pain As Opportunity Asif and Joanna explore the notion of pain as opportunity through their respective lenses and experience in mental health, and inequality, diversity and inclusion. WATCH NOW LISTEN NOW Meaningful Conversation Series: Simply Us Disability - Not Just Another Tick Box Chandy Green speaks to Sarah Petherbridge and Holly Sutcliffe on the challenges of negotiating an inaccessible world and the positive benefits of allyship. WATCH NOW LISTEN NOW Meaningful Conversation Series: The Power of Movement It is no secret that physical exercise is good for your mental health and well-being. This meaningful conversation explores the Power of Movement with an expert panel Hannah Beecham, Simon Hawtrey-Woore, Katie Burt and hosted by Speakers Collective Director Jon Salmon. WATCH NOW LISTEN NOW

After an impactful career leading the global wellbeing strategy at Burberry and holding senior leadership roles in consultancies across Europe and Asia, Clare has become a leading voice in leadership, culture, and wellbeing. After an impactful career leading the global wellbeing strategy at Burberry and holding senior leadership roles in consultancies across Europe and Asia, Clare has become a leading voice in leadership, culture, and wellbeing. < Back Clare Kenny Specialisms: Mental Health, Leadership, Culture, Wellbeing After an impactful career leading the global wellbeing strategy at Burberry and holding senior leadership roles in consultancies across Europe and Asia, Clare has become a leading voice in leadership, culture, and wellbeing. She has helped organisations ranging from FTSE 100s to dynamic startups -including Warner Bros Discovery, KPMG, the Ministry of Justice, Specsavers, Channel 4, and The Harry Potter Studios -foster healthier, more sustainable workplace cultures where people can truly thrive. Recognised for her expertise in mental health and sustainable leadership, Clare blends cutting-edge research with lived experience and powerful, vulnerable storytelling. She draws on her own journey with ADHD, addiction, anxiety, and grief to challenge conventional thinking and inspire meaningful change. Through science-backed insights and real-life stories, Clare reshapes how we approach mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Clare has delivered hundreds of thought-provoking keynotes, workshops, and masterclasses across diverse industries, captivating audiences with her engaging style and actionable insights. Based in the UK, Clare speaks internationally, helping leaders build cultures where people feel supported, understood, and able to perform at their best. info@speakerscollective.org First name Last name Email Your Phone Number About Your Event or Project Speaker or Persons Requested Date picker Event Type Select Event Type Address Submit BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION

Nellie is an experienced public speaker and trainer with lived experience of being autistic, having OCD and navigating caring for their sibling. Nellie is an experienced public speaker and trainer with lived experience of being autistic, having OCD and navigating caring for their sibling. < Back Nellie Allsop Specialisms: Autism, Mental Health, Anxiety, OCD, LGBTQ+, Self-harm, Student Mental Health, Mental Health In The Workplace, Diversity & Inclusion, Neurodiversity Nellie is an experienced public speaker and trainer with lived experience of being autistic, having OCD and navigating caring for their sibling. They self identify as queer and use they/them pronouns, and care deeply about LGBTQ+ issues including trans rights and gender affirming language. The primary focus of their work is autistic experiences where their own lived experience, coupled with a professional background working for one of the UK's leading autism charities, enriches their practice. Based in the vibrant city of Norwich, they have delivered work locally for the Norwich Science Festival and local adult learning organisation Tech Educators. Nationally, their experience includes features in numerous pieces of media content for organisations, such as talking heads style pieces filmed in a studio environment, as well as appearing as a podcast guest and delivering a talk at Excel London. In prior engagements they have worked with the National Autistic Society, Ubisoft and a number of NHS mental health trusts across the country, in addition to training members of the Houses of Parliament's Education team. They consistently receive positive feedback on their presenting style, and are hugely proud of their ability to engage audiences and dispel stereotypes around autism. Their work often delves into serious topics, however, they are also mindful to add some levity to interactions to create an engaging and balanced approach. Beyond their working practice, Nellie is an improv performer and is currently involved in the formation of a Norwich improv troupe, which both improves their stage presence as a speaker and contributes positively to their overall wellbeing. info@speakerscollective.org First name Last name Email Your Phone Number About Your Event or Project Speaker or Persons Requested Date picker Event Type Select Event Type Address Submit BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION

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 First name Last name Email Your Phone Number About Your Event or Project Speaker or Persons Requested Date picker Event Type Select Event Type Address Submit BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION

Dr Heather McKee is known as Europe’s leading lifestyle behaviour change specialist, keynote speaker, and founder.Dr Heather McKee is known as Europe’s leading lifestyle behaviour change specialist, keynote speaker, and founder. < Back Dr Heather McKee Specialisms: Habit change, behaviour change, digital behaviour change Dr Heather McKee is known as Europe’s leading lifestyle behaviour change specialist, keynote speaker, and founder. Having studied health behaviour change psychology for 10 years, her mission is to offer a sustainable, evidence-based alternative to an industry saturated with quick fixes and health fads. Globally she has worked with over 100+ companies in 15+ industries to create evidence-based wellness programs, deliver keynote talks on how to create a sustainable lifestyle change and help people find joy in their healthy habits. Past clients include lululemon, booking.com, Starbucks, Rituals, Unilever, HSBC, and Sainsbury's. Dr McKee’s research has been published internationally in leading academic journals, as well as featuring in Time magazine, Vogue, Huffington Post, The Times, and LA Times. She speaks on; Sticky Habits - the method to make your wellbeing, productivity and life goals stick. How to make space for wellbeing when there is none - how to scale our habits so they can work in the context of our busy lives. The time advantage - how to use behavioural science to reclaim your time and energy so you can get what matters to you most done, and done well. How to make digital products that stick - how to harness the power of behavioural science that leads to lasting engagement in your product or service. info@speakerscollective.org First name Last name Email Your Phone Number About Your Event or Project Speaker or Persons Requested Date picker Event Type Select Event Type Address Submit BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION

As an Expert by Experience, influencer and ambassador Marsha is committed to bringing about positive change within the mental health sector. She identifies as having a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and physical health comorbidities.As an Expert by Experience, influencer and ambassador Marsha is committed to bringing about positive change within the mental health sector. She identifies as having a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and physical health comorbidities. < Back Marsha McAdam Specialisms: Living with chronic illness, BDP, depression and motivational speaker As an Expert by Experience, influencer and ambassador Marsha is committed to bringing about positive change within the mental health sector. She identifies as having a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and physical health comorbidities. After receiving life-changing mentalisation-based therapy (MBT), and with the support and recognition of those working with her, Marsha embarked on a venture to use her lived experience to inform policymakers and clinical staff and support service transformation in both physical and mental healthcare. More recently, Marsha has initiated, organised and led a national Personality Disorder and Stigma project with key UK clinical, voluntary sector and policy leaders. Marsha occupies important advocacy and advisory positions including as an Ambassador and Peer Consultant for Centre for Mental Health, is the Vice Chair on the NHS Confed’s Mental Health Network and is chair of the Expert by Experience group for Equally Well UK. She has sat on some of the most transformative boards and panels, including being a member of the governments Mental Health Act Review Team, a founding member of the Speaker Collective and the Lived Experience Group for Equally Well. Marsha is also a national speaker on matters such as parity of esteem, personality disorder, stigma and discrimination. Having the opportunity to help others enables Marsha to remain positive and is essential to her wellbeing. info@speakerscollective.org First name Last name Email Your Phone Number About Your Event or Project Speaker or Persons Requested Date picker Event Type Select Event Type Address Submit BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION

John Watson Allison is the founder of holistic wellbeing and coaching service, Motion to Mind. He also runs the urban adventure mind/body workout, StreetGym.John Watson Allison is the founder of holistic wellbeing and coaching service, Motion to Mind. He also runs the urban adventure mind/body workout, StreetGym. < Back John Watson Allison Specialisms: Pro-active and preventative solutions for mental health, resilience, male mental health, veteran mental health, psychology of survival, exercise for mental health, dealing with loss, transition and team building. John Watson Allison is the founder of holistic wellbeing and coaching service, Motion to Mind. He also runs the urban adventure mind/body workout, StreetGym. For several years John was the health and wellbeing manager for two global ad agencies and he single-handedly designed bespoke wellbeing programs in support of employee physical and mental health. He continues to support employee mental health as a wellbeing coach and has provided hundreds of hours of one to one sessions on behalf of international companies in the city. Beyond the urban environment John provides nature based therapeutic interventions and retreats. John served for 24 years with the British Army, specialising in bomb disposal, counter-terrorist search and weapons technical intelligence. In transition from the services he had his own brush with mental ill health. Later he went on to work for the NHS wellbeing service for veterans, Op Courage and regularly briefed government agencies supporting veterans in crisis. An accomplished public speaker, John delivers a range of powerful talks, from sharing his own experience of military service, to mental health, resilience and employee wellbeing. He’s been invited to speak at TEDx on two occasions and continues to support corporate wellbeing programs, delivering coaching and workshops. He’s also appeared on BBC TV and numerous podcasts. More recently John has trained with the NHS as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) and has worked with a wide range of clients referred to the Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) service. At all other times you’ll probably find John mudlarking on the Thames or in the woods making a shelter somewhere. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEIIkzaYhGM info@speakerscollective.org First name Last name Email Your Phone Number About Your Event or Project Speaker or Persons Requested Date picker Event Type Select Event Type Address Submit BOOK A SPEAKER OR GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFORMATION