What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Mental Health Speaker?

Hiring a mental health speaker isn’t just meaningful – it’s supported by pressing numbers. In England, one in five adults (20.2 %) live with a common mental health condition – higher among women (24.2 %) than men (15.4 %) – and up from 18.9 % in 2014. Self-harm among young people has more than quadrupled since 2000, reaching 10.3 % in 2024, with 31.7 % of young women aged 16–24 affected. In 2023, the UK recorded 7,055 suicides – an average of 19 per day – making it the leading cause of death for men under 50. The economic and social cost of mental ill health in England reached approximately £300 billion in 2022 – double the NHS budget.

How Can Businesses Support Mental Health?

More companies now recognise that good mental health is essential for productivity. Leading brands have implemented flexible hours, mental health first aiders, and in-house counselling. According to Deloitte, every £1 spent on mental health support returns £4.70 in increased productivity and reduced absenteeism (Source: Deloitte). Meanwhile, 70% of UK SMEs now offer at least one wellbeing initiative, such as stress reduction workshops or staff wellbeing days. But awareness alone isn’t enough – action drives change. That’s where a keynote speaker adds value. They share personal stories, science-backed strategies, and energising tools that leave a lasting impression. One of the best ways to increase mental health awareness is to book a keynote speaker who fits your budget.

Who Are the Best Mental Health Speakers to Hire for a 2025 Online Event Trending in the UK?

This expert-approved list is based on data from 362 mental health-related events, exclusive speaker feedback, and audience polls.

• Ronan Harrington – Behavioural science speaker on burnout and resilience
• Iain Ward – Terminal brain cancer campaigner and marathon fundraiser
• Ife Thomas – Neurodiversity and inclusion expert
• Jonny Wilkinson – Rugby World Cup winner and mental resilience coach
• Matt Haig – Bestselling author on depression and recovery
• Paul McNeive – Amputee pilot and speaker on positive mindset
• Jordan Stephens – Musician and founder of #IAMWHOLE
• Hope Virgo – Eating disorder recovery advocate
• Simon Thomas – Sky Sports presenter and grief speaker
• Matt Johnson – TV presenter and men’s mental health campaigner
• Dr Alex George – NHS doctor and Youth Mental Health Ambassador
• Anna Williamson – Counsellor and anxiety author
• Samantha Clarke – Workplace happiness consultant
• Luciana Berger – Former MP and mental health advocate
• Shamash Alidina – Mindfulness teacher and author

Ronan Harrington

Ronan Harrington is a resilience and performance expert who helps companies prevent burnout. After experiencing chronic illness, Ronan used behavioural science to create the Resilient Performance Method, now trusted by Deloitte and the UK Treasury. He speaks openly about emotional fatigue, stress, and how to foster wellbeing in high-pressure environments. His keynotes combine practical strategies with powerful personal insight. A former UK Foreign Office futurist, Ronan understands the toll that leadership and uncertainty can take on mental health. He challenges outdated work cultures and encourages sustainable success. Ronan is ideal for organisations looking to shift from reactive stress management to proactive wellbeing.

Iain Ward

Iain Ward, known as “The King of Chemo,” is a terminal brain cancer campaigner raising funds through marathon running. Diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer at 31, he turned his energy into a mission: to raise millions for research while inspiring resilience. Iain shares his journey of shock, surgery, and reframing a terminal diagnosis into a purpose-led life. He’s a headline speaker at the World Cancer Congress and has a following of over 10 million online. Iain brings humour, honesty and heart to his talks. His keynotes focus on facing adversity, mental resilience and finding motivation even when things feel hopeless.

Ife Thomas

Ife Thomas is a bestselling author, business leader and neurodiversity advocate who uses her story as an autistic woman to educate and empower. A former professional dancer on The X Factor, Ife pivoted to a career in leadership and personal development following injury. She created The Confidence Star, a tool used by the NHS and schools to support mental wellbeing. Ife speaks passionately about identity, resilience and building unshakable self-belief. Her talks blend humour with practical tools, making her ideal for organisations looking to support neurodivergent staff or create more inclusive spaces. She proves that mindset really does change outcomes.

Jonny Wilkinson

Jonny Wilkinson CBE is best known for his 2003 Rugby World Cup–winning drop goal, but his greatest strength is his honesty about mental health. Behind the success, he struggled with anxiety, pressure and perfectionism. Today, he shares how he rebuilt his mindset post-retirement and found peace in imperfection. His talks focus on stress, identity and how we define success. Through his NSPiRED Foundation and podcast, he helps people reframe pressure into purpose. For businesses looking to improve leadership wellbeing or support staff in high-performance roles, Jonny offers grounded, compassionate insight into what mental strength really means.

Matt Haig

Matt Haig is one of the UK’s most recognised mental health advocates. His bestselling books, including The Midnight Library and Reasons to Stay Alive, have helped millions understand depression, anxiety and the value of staying present. Matt speaks candidly about his breakdown in his twenties and the tools that helped him recover—like routine, connection, and creative expression. His virtual keynotes are moving, accessible, and full of hope. Matt is particularly popular with audiences looking for a blend of storytelling and practical advice. He shows that mental illness doesn’t define you—and that recovery is not only possible but also meaningful.

Paul McNeive

Paul McNeive lost both legs in a fire at age 20. Instead of letting trauma define him, he built a successful property career, became a bestselling author, and became the first double amputee helicopter pilot. His message is simple: mindset determines everything. Paul’s talks centre on resilience, positivity and leadership under pressure. As a columnist for the Irish Independent and ambassador for the National Burns Hospital, he brings both professional credibility and deep emotional intelligence to his keynotes. Paul’s story is a powerful reminder of how people can recover from trauma and use their experience to support others’ mental health.

Jordan Stephens

Jordan Stephens rose to fame with Rizzle Kicks but found his calling as a mental health campaigner. He created the #IAMWHOLE campaign to fight stigma, especially among young men and marginalised communities. His talks explore identity, masculinity, grief, addiction and ADHD, offering powerful reflections on vulnerability. Jordan blends humour with social commentary and raw honesty. Whether speaking at a corporate event or school webinar, he connects with audiences through shared human experience. As someone who has experienced mental illness and recovery, Jordan challenges harmful norms and champions emotional expression as a vital part of mental health.

Hope Virgo

Hope Virgo is a leading voice in eating disorder recovery and the founder of the #DumpTheScales campaign. Hospitalised at 17 for anorexia, she has since become a bestselling author and global speaker. Hope educates audiences on body image, recovery and the limitations of using BMI as a mental health diagnostic tool. She’s successfully lobbied Parliament and helped reshape how eating disorders are treated in the UK. Her talks offer clear, evidence-based insight while also sharing her lived experience. Hope’s virtual sessions are ideal for workplaces, schools and healthcare organisations aiming to better understand and support mental wellbeing.

Simon Thomas

Simon Thomas is a Sky Sports presenter and former Blue Peter host who speaks powerfully about grief and mental health. After losing his wife suddenly to leukaemia, Simon left television to care for their son and process his loss. His bestselling book and podcast, both titled Life Interrupted, explore the impact of trauma and how to navigate bereavement. Simon’s talks are moving and relatable. He speaks with clarity and compassion about topics many find hard to discuss—grief, fatherhood, mental health and resilience. His keynotes help organisations support employees through life’s hardest moments and create kinder workplace cultures.

Matt Johnson

Matt Johnson is a Welsh TV presenter and one of the UK’s most in-demand mental health ambassadors. After publicly opening up about his struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, he became a passionate advocate for men’s mental health. His S4C documentary Depression and Me gave a rare and honest look into his recovery. Matt’s talks are deeply human—he shares tools that helped him, like journaling, therapy and peer support. His #Checkin Journal project continues to help thousands look after their emotional wellbeing. Matt is a brilliant choice for audiences wanting real, relatable insight into mental illness and recovery.

Dr Alex George

Dr Alex George is a former A&E doctor and the UK Government’s first Youth Mental Health Ambassador. Since appearing on Love Island, Alex has used his public platform to drive national mental health change, particularly for young people. He’s the author of Sunday Times bestsellers and co-founder of the Mettle app, which focuses on mental fitness. His keynotes are grounded in medical science but delivered with personal warmth. Alex speaks about sleep, stress, resilience and the brain’s response to trauma. Whether addressing corporate staff or school communities, he offers practical advice that empowers people to look after their mental health.

Anna Williamson

Anna Williamson is a counsellor, broadcaster and bestselling author who speaks with energy and empathy about mental health, anxiety and parenting pressure. Known for her role on Celebs Go Dating and her LuAnna podcast, Anna draws from lived experience of panic disorder and therapy. Her keynotes are relatable, informative and often light-hearted—making serious topics easier to understand. She’s an ambassador for Mind and Childline, and her books have become go-to guides for young people and parents alike. Anna helps audiences feel seen and supported, encouraging open conversations and offering real tools to manage mental health challenges.

Samantha Clarke

Samantha Clarke is a workplace happiness consultant and author of Love It or Leave It. She helps organisations reimagine their culture to prioritise employee wellbeing, psychological safety and positive communication. Samantha’s talks combine coaching principles with happiness science and business insight. She’s worked with major brands, including Virgin, RBS and Armani, and teaches at The School of Life. Her approach is practical and people-focused—helping leaders support staff mental health while improving retention and morale. For companies looking to shift workplace culture and prevent burnout, Samantha brings clarity, warmth and actionable advice.

Luciana Berger

Luciana Berger is a former MP and the UK’s first-ever Shadow Minister for Mental Health. She has campaigned tirelessly for parity between mental and physical healthcare, and helped shape government policy. Today, Luciana is a trusted speaker on workplace wellbeing, inclusion and mental health strategy. Her talks reflect both political experience and personal conviction. She led the successful campaign to ban smoking in cars carrying children and was behind the #WheresYourHeadAt mental health first aid initiative. Luciana connects with audiences looking to make systemic change, offering insight into leadership, resilience and building mentally healthy organisations.

Shamash Alidina

Shamash Alidina is a mindfulness expert and author of Mindfulness for Dummies. With over 150,000 copies sold globally, he’s helped people across the world manage anxiety, stress and burnout through meditation and daily habits. Shamash has trained hundreds of mindfulness teachers and co-founded the Museum of Happiness in London. His keynotes focus on practical tools like breathwork, self-compassion and habit change. Whether running a webinar for HR teams or guiding a leadership retreat, Shamash blends humour and evidence-based strategies to leave people feeling calmer, more focused and better equipped to manage their mental health.

Book a Mental Health Speaker Today

Mental health speakers create powerful change by raising awareness, breaking stigma and sharing real-life strategies. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, wellbeing day or virtual session, this expert-approved list offers inspiring individuals who connect with their audience and leave lasting impact.

To explore more Mental Health Speakers, visit our full listings today. For bespoke recommendations and to secure a speaker for your event, visit our Contact Us page or call The Virtual Online Speakers Agency on 0203 9317 391.