Rena is a hidden disabilities and neurodiverse champion, coach, mentor, speaker, and fashion designer. Rena is a hidden disabilities and neurodiverse champion, coach, mentor, speaker, and fashion designer. < Back Rena Zen Specialisms: Mental Health and wellbeing, vulnerability, creative self-expression, neurodiversity , accessibility and inclusion, mum entrepreneurship, dyslexic thinking, schools and creativity, sensorial art, hidden disabilities, hard of hearing. Rena is a hidden disabilities and neurodiverse champion, coach, mentor, speaker, and fashion designer. As a visionary creative individual who is dyslexic and hard of hearing, Rena's journey of self-expression through artistry led her from a place of isolation to empowerment. She believes deeply in the freedom of creative self-expression, which she manifests through her brand RenaZen. Through RenaZen, she co-creates bespoke handprinted multifunctional pieces that not only embody the stories and experiences of individuals but also serve as cherished gifts passed down through generations. Specialising in coaching and mentoring individuals who identify or suspect they may have dyslexia, ADHD, or are hard of hearing, Rena draws from her lived experience to provide authentic support and understanding. With almost two decades of diverse experience, including roles as a nursery and primary school teacher, YogaBirth instructor, doula, childbirth educator, and fashion and textiles designer, Rena has developed a practical, multi-sensorial 'holistic' framework equipped with powerful tools to assist others in navigating life's challenges with ease and confidence. Rena's vision is to transform lives by connecting with individuals on their unique journey, empowering them to embrace their autonomy and unleash their inherent strengths, their ‘super ability’. Her guidance fosters clarity, confidence, and purpose, celebrating individuality and enabling individuals to pursue their dreams authentically. Currently, Rena works extensively across various sectors, including women, mothers, parents, educators, and individuals, aiming to enhance accessibility for neurodiverse pupils, creatives, and entrepreneurs through workshops, events, and speaking engagements. Through her efforts, Rena ensures that everyone, regardless of their hidden disability or neurodiversity, has the opportunity to thrive. 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

Mark Williams BCAh FRSA is a Keynote Speaker, Author, and International campaigner. In 2004 he experienced depression and suffered in silence for years until he entered community mental health services.Mark Williams BCAh FRSA is a Keynote Speaker, Author, and International campaigner. In 2004 he experienced depression and suffered in silence for years until he entered community mental health services. < Back Mark Williams Specialisms: Peri-natal mental health, father's mental health, Keynote Speaker, Published Author, Trainer Mark Williams BCAh FRSA is a Keynote Speaker, Author, and International campaigner. In 2004 he experienced depression and suffered in silence for years until he entered community mental health services. He founded International Fathers Mental Health Day and HowAreYouDad campaign to make sure all parents have support for the whole family. Mark has spoken on television and radio stations around the world while working with Dr Jane Hanley who have both published articles on Fathers' ( Paternal) Mental Health together. Mark was awarded Inspirational Father of the Year and Local Hero at the Pride of Britain Awards in 2012 and even invited to meet The Royal Family on World Mental Health Day, also awarded the Point Of Light Award by the Prime Minister in 2019. In 2020 Mark published the report called "Fathers Reaching Out - Why Dads Matter" to explain the importance of paternal mental health which has far better outcomes for the whole family and the child's development when we include fathers. In 2021 the film Daddy Blues based on Mark's journey is now available on Amazon Prime. In 2023, Mark was awarded The British Citizens Award at Westminster for all his work in campaigning for fathers. He started the campaign to reopen the Mother and Baby Unit in Wales, which reopened seven years later in 2021. Ambassador for Mothers for Mothers and Mothers Matter Charities. Mark was diagnosed with ADHD at forty years of age and is also a research champion at the National Centre of Mental Health in Cardiff. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIUWWPIVyTM 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

I am a late diagnosed ADHtistic (ADHD and Autistic, more commonly written as AuDHD), queer and disabled person. I am a late diagnosed ADHtistic (ADHD and Autistic, more commonly written as AuDHD), queer and disabled person. < Back Renée Venus Specialisms: ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, Disability I am a late diagnosed ADHtistic (ADHD and Autistic, more commonly written as AuDHD), queer and disabled person. I am a mother, living with multiple chronic conditions, who has navigated the bumpy road of being different to my peers in family, friendship, education and employment. I have a lifetime of dealing with bullying in education and employment, because being different is “apparently” a threat to be eradicated. I decided in my 30’s to train to be a teacher, as I wanted to make a difference to those students that are often othered and let down. Sadly after 5 short years as a secondary school teacher, I had to leave mainstream for both my mental and physical health. At this time I still had yet to receive formal diagnoses for my neurodivergence and chronic physical conditions, this left me without the reasonable adjustments I needed to protect myself from the bullies. Apparently openly ADHtistic and Queer teachers are not welcome in secondary education, despite my students giving my classroom the title The Rainbow Room as a safe space for LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent students, during break times and after school. I am now working in education outreach; teaching and mentoring the students who were let down by the system, like I was. I am a fierce advocate for the neurodivergent, LGBTQ+ and disabled communities. I am especially passionate about supporting fellow disabled/marginalised teachers, students and their parents! 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

Tom is a musician and journalist who has performed all over the UK and in Europe, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean and the USA. Tom is a musician and journalist who has performed all over the UK and in Europe, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean and the USA. < Back Tom Ryder Specialisms: Hope, living with mental illness, music Tom is a musician and journalist who has performed all over the UK and in Europe, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean and the USA. He has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. In 2018 Tom founded Retune, a non-profit community project that connects creativity with wellbeing. Retune inspires young people to make positive adjustments to their mental health through creative outlets. The team host live music nights, a YouTube channel and a podcast, as well as carrying out school and university visits. 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

Alice is an author, writer and speaker based in Gateshead in Northeast England, with a background in charity communications, journalism and youth work. Alice is an author, writer and speaker based in Gateshead in Northeast England, with a background in charity communications, journalism and youth work. < Back Alice Hewson Specialisms: Neuroinclusion in the workplace, Understanding neurodiversity, inclusion, building an inclusive workplace, neurodivergence and wellbeing, growing up neurodivergent, personal development at work, neuroinclusion for schools and youth services, the impact of redundancy, ADHD, dyspraxia, mental health and youth work Alice is an author, writer and speaker based in Gateshead in Northeast England, with a background in charity communications, journalism and youth work. She has master’s degrees in both Community and Youth Work and Magazine Journalism. From a young age, Alice has always felt different and often struggled to fit in. She longed for a sense of belonging, to be included and valued. She was diagnosed with dyspraxia as a child at the age of seven, and since her teenage years has experienced periods of anxiety and poor mental health. It wasn’t until her 30’s when she was diagnosed with ADHD that she started to make sense of her neurodivergent identity. After developing her career, which has given her opportunities to work with different communities, understand challenges people face and reflect on her own, she has turned her attention to exploring in greater depth inclusion in the workplace. This thinking was inspired by a recent workplace and line manager who was supportive of growth whatever someone’s differences, identity, or challenges. This is where she learned about systemic inclusion for the first time and understood how it felt to be included. She wanted to share this learning with others. Moments of reflection throughout her career eventually led to writing and publishing her debut book “Neurodiversity in the Workplace: How to create a safe and supportive environment” which is an achievement she continues to be deeply proud of. It is about promoting systemic inclusion and universal design at work, cultivating community and making the workplace a positive place to be and most importantly be yourself in. The book grew out of her own experiences as a neurodivergent person at work, and passion for change. Alice wrote 'neurodiversity in the workplace' because she wants organisations to consider what inclusion really means in policy and practice, and to share her dream for a better, fairer and more just world for neurodivergent folk in the workplace. She believes that if we work together, we can achieve that dream. Shortly after her book was released, Alice went through redundancy, and suddenly understood why her book, and more research and understanding on inclusion in the workplace and during recruitment is very much needed. Redundancy, especially related to neurodivergent people’s challenges isn’t often spoken about. She was suddenly thrown into a world of endless applications, and interviews. Tasks that weren’t written or communicated well, and ambiguous expectations of job adverts. She came face to face with practices that were not built to include. Organisations queried the need for reasonable adjustments and face to face interviews were in busy, noisy environments that were not neurodivergent friendly. As disheartening and exhausting the process felt, she considered how it must be for others, those who don’t have the language to describe inclusion, people who remain undiagnosed due long waiting lists and others who need different methods to communicate. It is for these people that Alice continues to speak and write about the injustices many neurodivergent people face when going through redundancy, job hunting or finding a community where they can belong. Alice has appeared on national radio, live panel discussions, podcasts and been interviewed for magazine features. She has successfully generated interest from several employers and delivered talks on inclusion for a wide range of organisations across the charity, public and private sectors. She hopes sharing her learning and experiences, will provide hope for others for the future. Her writing and speaking draws on the challenging, complex, and often difficult to talk about topics, to tackle stigma, normalise difference and being vulnerable, to raise awareness of the issues people face. She is available for speaking, panel discussions and workshops for workplaces, charities, businesses, schools and youth organisations. She offers both online and in person talks and events and is happy to travel anywhere within the UK. 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

Finlay Games is a transgender gay man, with a passion for sharing honest, firsthand experiences, of gender transition, recovery, and mental health.Finlay Games is a transgender gay man, with a passion for sharing honest, firsthand experiences, of gender transition, recovery, and mental health. < Back Finlay Games Specialisms: LGBTQ, Transgender, Mental Health, Content Creator, Life Coach and Mentor Finlay Games is a transgender gay man, with a passion for sharing honest, firsthand experiences, of gender transition, recovery, and mental health. In 2011 under the name, ‘FinnTheInFinncible’ Finlay began documenting his gender transition and recovery story via his YouTube channel and accompanying blog. In the years since, Finlay has spoken at several events, including the Open University s first TEDx event, ‘Imagine What’s Next’. As an engaging and highly sought-after speaker, Finlay aims to provide information, raise awareness, and challenge stigma around the complex topics of gender, sexuality, addiction, and mental illness. Finlay has also written for many publications and has recently published his first memoir, ‘Top to Bottom – A Memoir and Personal Guide Through Phalloplasty’. His book is the first to document the entire surgical and emotional process of phalloplasty, from the perspective of one trans man. He is currently working on his second book, an anthology of firsthand stories of mental health experiences from a transgender perspective. Both books are published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. After graduating with a BA Hons first degree from The Open University, Finlay now also provides information and support, in his work as a life coach and mentor for transgender people. When he isn’t busy trying to change the world to a better place, Finlay can be found dancing in the muddy fields of Glastonbury Festival or ambling along the Devon coast. 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

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 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 May 2024, I began my 'park benching' initiative where I sit on different on park benches across London with a simple invite: "Come join me for a chat". In May 2024, I began my 'park benching' initiative where I sit on different on park benches across London with a simple invite: "Come join me for a chat". < Back Lara Philippart Specialisms: Mental health, mental health advocacy, male mental health, suicide, body image In May 2024, I began my 'park benching' initiative where I sit on different on park benches across London with a simple invite: "Come join me for a chat". Having dealt with mental health difficulties from a young age myself, I wanted to open-up the mental health conversation among Londoners. With suicide statistics at an all-time high, why are we still struggling to talk about it? In doing park benching, I’ve met over 100 incredible people who have kindly shared their stories with me. I've discussed everything from suicide, life-changing accidents, healthcare visibility in Nigeria, anxiety-induced teeth loss and generational trauma to Parisian pastries, ghosting, gallery hopping, periods and motor racing. You name it – I’ve (probably) discussed it! The aim of my initiative is to combat mental health stigma and to make people feel less alone. By documenting these conversations on my @thatparkbenchgirl Instagram account, I hope to reinforce the importance of creating space for others without fear of judgement. My interest in mental health comes from both research and hands-on experience. For my master’s degree in public health, I explored how appearance-editing apps like ‘FaceTune’ can affect women’s mental health and self-perception, which sparked a deeper interest in the relationship between digital culture and wellbeing. Since then, I’ve worked closely with people facing complex health challenges, including supporting patients at a private online chronic pain management clinic specialising in medical cannabis, where I carried out suicide risk assessments and helped put support plans in place for those at risk. More recently, qualifying as a Mental Health First Aider has strengthened my ability to support people who open up about their mental health, always with empathy, space and best practice in mind. Alongside my professional work, I volunteer with several men’s mental health charities where I’ve co-delivered talks to high-profile organisations such as Hugo Boss and written blog posts on a range of mental health topics. My experience within the mental health field continually reinforces this is the space I want to grow in. 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

Kapil is the founder and coaching consultant at Nibana. He is a TEDx Speaker Talk: ‘Dare to be Sensitive’ and the co-author of: ‘Being FINE: the other F word’.Kapil is the founder and coaching consultant at Nibana. He is a TEDx Speaker Talk: ‘Dare to be Sensitive’ and the co-author of: ‘Being FINE: the other F word’. < Back Kapil Gupta Specialisms: Self Discovery, Modern Masculinity, Empathy, Emotional Intelligence, Conscious Relating, Conscious Sexuality, Masculine-Feminine Gender Dynamics Kapil is the founder and coaching consultant at Nibana. He is a TEDx Speaker Talk: ‘Dare to be Sensitive’ and the co-author of: ‘Being FINE: the other F word’. Kapil's background includes 15+ years of successful corporate career, an MBA from the University of Edinburgh, and a career in personal development space for 9+ years - helping executives, business leaders and entrepreneurs. He is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts. Kapil’s journey has been about striving for success, and achievement – ticking all the boxes – in the promise that there will be happiness and fulfilment at the end of it. He found that this wasn’t the case, and like many others, he now works with, he felt stuck and unfulfilled. After his 11-year relationship broke up and divorced, he felt like a failure in relationships. This leads him on a path of self-discovery, personal transformation, and cultivating emotional intelligence. He has since taught 1000+ people in workshops & coached more than 100 people 1-on-1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdTy9IZR87k 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

Jo Love is an award-winning mental health advocate, speaker, writer and podcaster, she uses her platform to break the silence on mental health issues. Jo Love is an award-winning mental health advocate, speaker, writer and podcaster, she uses her platform to break the silence on mental health issues. < Back Jo Love Specialisms: Depression, OCD, Anxiety, PND, PTSD, Social Media Jo Love is an award-winning mental health advocate, speaker, writer and podcaster, she uses her platform to break the silence on mental health issues. Her career working as a city lawyer gives her an understanding of how working in a high pressured environment can affect your mental health. After spending a large portion of her life silently suffering with depression, OCD (dermatillomania) and anxiety leading to a diagnosis of Postnatal Depression after the birth of her first daughter which led to PTSD, Jo realised she needed to make a change and speak out and help others know it is ok not to be ok. 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

Jane McNeice is a wife, mother, grandmother, and mental health training business owner from Yorkshire.Jane McNeice is a wife, mother, grandmother, and mental health training business owner from Yorkshire. < Back Jane McNeice Specialisms: Autism and Mental Health Jane McNeice is a wife, mother, grandmother, and mental health training business owner from Yorkshire. Jane's lived experience and debut book is 'The Umbrella Picker' which documents her life living undiagnosed Autistic and the related mental health struggles and challenges. Jane was diagnosed Autistic at the age of forty-five, two months later her 26-year-old daughter was also diagnosed, followed three months later by her 8-year-old son in December 2021. Three diagnoses in seven months. None would have been discovered were it not for their own self or parent-identification before formal assessment and diagnosis. Jane has written the book she wishes someone had written for her 30 years earlier, a book that shares the lived experience of being undiagnosed Autistic, a 'Lost Girl'. She authored her book 'The Umbrella Picker' with the intention of raising awareness, challenging outdated stereotypes of Autism, and to help other 'Lost Girls' to self-identify, because 'Lost Girl' experiences are often a mirror to one another, and the system seems incapable of finding them in most cases. Jane's family were exposed to well over 100 health, social care, and education professionals, all of whom were unable to spot the signs of non-stereotypical Autism, and which led to mis-diagnosis in herself and daughter, and years of unnecessary suffering. Forty-five years is too long a wait to learn who you are - your identity! Jane's story has been shared by Forbes, Daily Mail, Top Sante, Brand You, and Take a Break. 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

Join the Speakers Collective Summits to engage with lived experience speakers, connect with social impact leaders, and participate in workshops on mental health, inclusion, and community impact. Learn, network, and be part of meaningful change. SUMMITS Join us at the Speakers Collective Southern Summit for speaker tips, talks, workshops, and networking over drinks at The Projects Bar. Date and Time: Monday, November 11 · 1:00 - 7:00 pm GMT Location: Projects The Lanes Nile Street Brighton and Hove, BN1 1HW