Christine Fader is an author, speaker, and recent cancer widow with over 25 years of presentation experience to groups as large as 700 people.Christine Fader is an author, speaker, and recent cancer widow with over 25 years of presentation experience to groups as large as 700 people. < Back Christine Fader Specialisms: Cancer, trauma-informed care, caregivers, grief, palliative care, end of life, medically-assisted dying, resilience, mental health, chronic illness "The most powerful education session I've attended in a very long time" - Radiation Oncologist Christine Fader is an author, speaker, and recent cancer widow with over 25 years of presentation experience to groups as large as 700 people. Christine's husband, a former professional skydiver and military veteran, was diagnosed with two unrelated cancers within 2 years. Despite his inveterate grit, he initially emphatically refused treatment for his first, very curable cancer because the treatment re-activated serious childhood trauma. Since 30+% of adults are childhood abuse survivors, and that doesn't include any other childhood or adult trauma, Christine realized that the intersection of trauma with cancer was not rare. Since her husband's death, Christine has used her professional skills and lived experience to improve awareness of trauma-informed cancer and palliative care. She shares poignant insights and simple, practical strategies with clinicians, healthcare institutions and students, patients, and care partners. Despite what might seem like vibe-killing subject matter, Christine's audiences report her sessions as, "powerful", "inspiring", and "one of the most important talks I've ever attended". 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

Throughout the past eleven years, I have honed my expertise in mental health and public speaking.Throughout the past eleven years, I have honed my expertise in mental health and public speaking. < Back Nikki Mattocks Specialisms: Mental health, Empathy, Trauma, Peer Support, Personality Disorders, Carers, LGBTQ+ Throughout the past eleven years, I have honed my expertise in mental health and public speaking. As the Founding Director of the acclaimed peer support group Evolve for nearly a decade, I have had the privilege of consulting with prominent organizations on a range of local, national, and international policies. I am grateful for the opportunity to raise my voice in advocacy for change. With a unique perspective gained through personal, professional, and caregiving experiences, I approach my work with confidence and creativity. Drawing inspiration from poetry, music, and mindfulness, I offer audiences practical techniques that I have personally tried and refined. My passion lies in sharing my own journey, aiming to reduce the stigma surrounding human struggles and foster greater self-esteem in others. If my story can positively impact just one person, then all my efforts are worthwhile. As a Freelance Lived Experience Consultant and Public Speaker, an Honorary Lecturer at King's College London, and a member of various prestigious groups such as the Global Leadership Exchange emerging leaders group, I am dedicated to making a difference in the field of mental health. I am currently collaborating with the WHO regional office for Europe on the Pan-European Mental Health Coalition. Additionally, I am a member of the Expert Reference Group on The real PD: Prejudice and Discrimination of Personality Disorder with the Royal College of Psychiatrists. My self-published book, 'One Second at a Time,' reflects my journey and insights, and I have also recently launched the 'It Could Happen to Anyone' podcast. 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

Helen Ochyra is a journalist, author and professional speaker who works as an advocate for motherless mothers. Helen Ochyra is a journalist, author and professional speaker who works as an advocate for motherless mothers. < Back Helen Ochyra Specialisms: Motherless motherhood Helen Ochyra is a journalist, author and professional speaker who works as an advocate for motherless mothers. Helen works with the charity The Motherless Mothers as a volunteer, hosting their popular Substack and encouraging motherless mothers to tell their own stories. Helen can speak about her lived experience as a motherless mother. Helen lost her mother at the age of 34 and has subsequently had three children. Additionally, Helen was bereaved of her father as a teenager so can speak about adolescent bereavement. As her father was an alcoholic, Helen can also speak about growing up with an alcoholic parent and living as an adult child of an alcoholic. 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

Andy Bishop is the founder of ‘ManGang UK’, a peer support group supporting men through any troubling times. Andy Bishop is the founder of ‘ManGang UK’, a peer support group supporting men through any troubling times. < Back Andy Bishop Specialisms: Living with mental illness, mental health in the workplace Andy Bishop is the founder of ‘ManGang UK’, a peer support group supporting men through any troubling times. Andy skilfully combines his expertise in Health and Safety with his passion for helping people thrive. Andy spent 22 years in the British Army, specialising in explosive demolition, counter-terrorist search, air support operations, training, and construction. Frequently found operating in high threat, high-pressure environments across the world he developed several coping strategies, some healthy, others not so much. He also had a secret. Andy wore a mask every day because ‘mental ill health didn’t happen to men like him’. The biggest threat that Andy faced in his life was himself. Andy’s talks centre on his experiences with Bipolar Affective Disorder, Life After Suicide and Workplace Stress. Andy has a wealth of experience speaking to audiences from all walks of life, industries and locations. 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

SAFEGUARDING Speakers Collective – Safeguarding Policy (2026 ) Last updated: March 2026 1. Policy Statement Speakers Collective is committed to ensuring that everyone we work with whether children, young people, adults, or people with lived experience feels safe, respected and supported. Abuse, neglect or exploitation of any kind will not be tolerated. We expect all staff, members, speakers, facilitators, volunteers, partners and advisors to play an active role in safeguarding and to uphold the highest standards of conduct when representing Speakers Collective. Safeguarding includes protecting individuals from physical, emotional and psychological harm, including harm that may occur between adults. 2. Legal Framework Our safeguarding approach is guided by relevant UK legislation and statutory guidance, including: Children Act 1989 & 2004 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR Human Rights Act 1998 Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024) UK Online Safety Act (2023) Prevent Duty guidance We occasionally work internationally; safeguarding responses may therefore consider local laws alongside our commitment to safety and wellbeing. 3. Who This Policy Applies To This policy covers: All employees Speakers Collective members, associates and freelancers Advisory board and volunteers External partners delivering work on our behalf It applies to both online and in-person activity, including workshops, panels, talks, content creation, mentoring, and community events. This policy also applies to concerns raised by individuals outside of Speakers Collective where those concerns relate to the conduct of a member or representative. We review this policy annually or sooner if required by organisational learning or changes in legislation. 4. Types of Harm and Abuse Abuse can take many forms. Key categories include: Physical Emotional Sexual Neglect Other forms of harm may include; Bullying or harassment Coercive control or controlling behaviour Financial abuse Domestic abuse Radicalisation Online grooming Exploitation This includes harm occurring in personal relationships where it may indicate a risk to others within our community 5. Spotting Possible Concerns Possible indicators of harm include: Noticeable or unexplained injuries Sudden behavioural changes or withdrawal Use of sexualised language or behaviour inappropriate for age Disclosure from the individual involved Signs of poor self-care or neglect A sense that “something doesn’t feel right” There may be times when signs are subtle. Staff and associates should raise any concern, even if unsure. 6. Safeguarding Roles & Contacts Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) Jon Salmon (Co-CEO / Safeguarding Lead) Email: jon@speakerscollective.org Jo Emmerson (Co-CEO / Safeguarding Lead) Email: jo@speakerscollective.org 7. Reporting a Concern Anyone working with or on behalf of Speakers Collective must report safeguarding concerns as soon as possible, and no later than 24 hours after becoming aware of the issue. We also accept concerns raised by third parties, including members of the public, where these relate to the conduct of a member or representative. When reporting, include: Name of the individual at risk Date, time and location of the incident Who was present A clear, factual account Direct quotes where applicable Important points: Do not promise to keep disclosures secret Do not investigate yourself Do not confront the alleged perpetrator Information should only be shared with those who need to know. All safeguarding notes must be stored securely in line with data protection requirements. 8. Low-Level Concerns Low-level concerns relate to behaviour that does not meet a harm threshold but suggests a breach of expected professional boundaries for example, unnecessary one-on-one situations, overfamiliar communication, or unclear personal/professional boundaries. These matters should still be raised with a DSL so patterns can be identified early and appropriate action can be taken. 9. External Complaints & Risk Assessment Speakers Collective recognises that safeguarding concerns may be raised by individuals outside of the organisation. Where concerns are raised about a member, we will: Take all reports seriously Handle information sensitively and confidentially Consider any supporting information provided Assess potential risk to our community We are not required to determine criminal guilt and may act on credible information where there is a reasonable concern about safety or wellbeing. 10: Interim Safeguarding Measures Where a concern is being reviewed, Speakers Collective may take precautionary action to protect others. This may include: Temporary suspension of membership or speaking activity Removal from events or platforms Restrictions on participation These measures are not disciplinary findings, but steps taken to manage risk. 11: Decision Making Safeguarding decisions will be made by appropriate senior representatives (e.g. Designated Safeguarding Leads), and will: Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of others Consider the credibility and seriousness of the concern Take into account available evidence or information Be proportionate and fair Possible outcomes may include: No further action Informal resolution Ongoing monitoring Suspension Removal from Speakers Collective 12. Safe Recruitment Practice Speakers Collective uses safer recruitment principles for staff, freelancers and volunteers. This may include: Clear role descriptions References and background checks DBS checks where roles require them Clear agreements about behaviour and boundaries We recognise that formal background checks may not always be possible. In these cases, we rely on clear expectations, self-disclosure, and ongoing conduct monitoring. 13. Professional Conduct and Boundaries Anyone representing Speakers Collective must maintain appropriate behaviour in all interactions, including online. This includes: Using approved communication channels Not forming personal or secretive relationships with participants Avoiding unnecessary private messaging Keeping clear boundaries between personal and professional roles 14. Record Keeping Safeguarding information must be: Recorded promptly and accurately Stored securely Accessible only to authorised safeguarding personnel Deleted or archived in line with data retention policies 15. Training & Review All staff must receive safeguarding guidance as part of their onboarding. Periodic refresher training will be provided and the policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if circumstances require it. We recommend that all members of Speakers Collective undertake basic safeguarding training (e.g. NSPCC or equivalent). 16. Support for Individuals Speakers Collective can provide signposting to appropriate support services for anyone affected by safeguarding concerns, including mental health support, crisis services and local safeguarding teams. NSPCC Helpline - Call 0808 800 5000 or Email help@nspcc.org.uk We aim to take a trauma-informed and survivor-centred approach, and will not require individuals to confront those they have raised concerns about.

Jessica Kops (née Warne) is a maternal mental health specialist, clinical hypnotherapist & EMDR practitioner whose own recovery from severe postnatal depression inspired her to dedicate her career to supporting mothers and families. Jessica Kops (née Warne) is a maternal mental health specialist, clinical hypnotherapist & EMDR practitioner whose own recovery from severe postnatal depression inspired her to dedicate her career to supporting mothers and families. < Back Jessica Kops Specialisms: Maternal mental health, perinatal mental health, Matrescence, power of peer support, charity leadership & advocacy Jessica Kops (née Warne) is a maternal mental health specialist, clinical hypnotherapist & EMDR practitioner whose own recovery from severe postnatal depression inspired her to dedicate her career to supporting mothers and families. She is the founder of Cocoon Family Support, a London charity delivering peer support, counselling and co-produced services with the NHS and local authorities. In private practice, alongside her 1:1 therapeutic services she runs The Mother Method, enabling women to navigate the transition to motherhood with greater resilience and calm. Jessica is an experienced public speaker, having delivered keynote talks at corporate trainings, national perinatal mental health conferences, contributed to NHS service-development workshops and sitting on advisory boards for NCT, Best Beginnings and the Royal College of GP’s & Midwives. She has spoken on media platforms including ITV’s This Morning, BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire BBC Radio London. She has also had the honour of meeting the Duchess of Cambridge to discuss maternal mental health, further highlighting her role as an advocate in this field. Combining professional expertise with personal authenticity, Jessica is deeply passionate about raising awareness, reducing stigma and empowering professionals and parents. Her engaging talks weave together her lived experience, clinical knowledge and practical tools, leaving audiences informed, inspired and supported. 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

Jonny is an award-winning mental health campaigner, film producer, public speaker, writer and vlogger.  In 2017 Jonny was awarded an MBE for his services to mental health and suicide prevention.Jonny is an award-winning mental health campaigner, film producer, public speaker, writer and vlogger.  In 2017 Jonny was awarded an MBE for his services to mental health and suicide prevention. < Back Jonny Benjamin MBE Specialisms: Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, author and film maker ``Jonny is an award-winning mental health campaigner, film producer, public speaker, writer and vlogger. In 2017 Jonny was awarded an MBE for his services to mental health and suicide prevention. At the age of 20 he was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, a combination of schizophrenia and bipolar, and later began making films on YouTube about the condition that have been watched by hundreds of thousands of people. Jonny now speaks publicly about living with mental illness and has written articles and given various interviews on TV, Radio and in print around the world to help educate and break stigma. His biography ‘The Stranger on the Bridge’ was published in 2018 with the foreword written by HRH The Duke of Cambridge. He is passionate about supporting young people and with this in mind, founded his charity Beyond Shame Beyond Stigma in 2019. Jonny is a Non Executive Director of Speakers Collective. 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 Dr. Zulfia Abawe, a multidisciplinary thinker and practitioner who refuses to accept leadership and organizational cultures and practices as they are.I am Dr. Zulfia Abawe, a multidisciplinary thinker and practitioner who refuses to accept leadership and organizational cultures and practices as they are. < Back Zulfia Abawe Specialisms: Decolonial feminism Inclusion and diversity Leadership, people and culture in organizations Constitutionalism Politics, Law and Society Lived Experiences I am Dr. Zulfia Abawe, a multidisciplinary thinker and practitioner who refuses to accept leadership and organizational cultures and practices as they are. I provoke critical reflection, embed decolonial practices in everyday work, and push for epistemic justice that turns assumptions upside down. From delivering a highly praised guest lecture on political awareness to senior leaders in South and North Wales Fire and Rescue Services, to speaking at the Global Campus of Human Rights, COP28, the International Studies Association, the Cambridge Conference Series, and many more, my work spans classrooms, boardrooms, and global stages. I have been a discussant for SwissPeace and the Global South Network, and I thrive on challenging power, uncovering the unseen, and showing that resistance isn’t always loud – it can be as quiet as persistence, as bold as asking uncomfortable questions, and as transformative as reimagining what leadership and justice can actually look like. My talks and collaborations aim to make organizations and communities think differently, act differently, and live differently—while occasionally laughing at the absurdity of it all. 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

Hugely passionate about breaking down the stigma of mental health, supporting neurodivergent Mothers and advocating for neuroinclusive and cognitively inclusive workplaces.Hugely passionate about breaking down the stigma of mental health, supporting neurodivergent Mothers and advocating for neuroinclusive and cognitively inclusive workplaces. < Back Lindsey Milner Specialisms: Motherhood, ADHD and cognitively inclusive workforces She’s hugely passionate about breaking down the stigma of mental health, supporting neurodivergent Mothers and advocating for neuroinclusive and cognitively inclusive workplaces. She says: Public speaking has always played a big role in my life: both in my former career within advertising and at events with family and friends (weddings, birthdays and funerals!). I absolutely love building connections and making a impact with diverse audiences. As a youngster, I’d always had occasional bouts of anxiety and depression but it wasn’t until I had my two gorgeous children and hit perimenopause, I realised there was far more to it. I was diagnosed with combined ADHD aged 43 and suspect I’m also Audhd.. I’ve recently done the Neurodiversity Train the Train level 3 qualification with the Positive Psychology Guild. I support Line Managers and Learning and Development Managers to understand how to get the best out of every type of brain, to allow their teams to thrive and bring their true strengths to the workplace. I love to raise awareness about neuroinclusion and encourage everyone to see things differently. 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