Meaningful Conversations from the Speakers Collective

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. 

A lot has happened socially in the last few years to raise awareness of our body image and how we feel about our bodies - but is it enough? Where can we go from here? 

Activist and campaigner, Suzanne Samaka, and comedian and author, Dave Chawner join body image advocate Emi Howe to discuss edited images used within the media and how they can impact our mental health. 

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.

This is a rare opportunity to watch a discussion about emergency services personnel responding to suicide and its impact. Particular attention is be paid to their experiences, perceived needs and the importance of receiving evidence-based training dealing with this sensitive issue. 

The discussion also focuses on the experiences of those bereaved by suicide at the scene. Dr Sharon McDonnell will refer to research conducted in this field and the development of the evidence-based emergency services Responding To Suicide (RTS) training.

Pain may be experienced in the individual, but it is both a manifestation of and an experience shared by the society and relationships in which we, and those who came before and after us, participate. Asif and Joanna will explore the notion of pain as opportunity through their respective lenses and experience in mental health, and inequality, diversity and inclusion.

Chandy Green speaks to Sarah Petherbridge and Holly Sutcliffe on the challenges of negotiating an inaccessible world and the positive benefits of allyship.

Sarah Petherbridge

Sarah is a disability awareness trainer and public speaker on the topic of diversity and inclusion ("D&I") from a disability angle. Sarah draws on her experience of working as a professional with a disability in a corporate environment for various accountancy firms. Sarah was born profoundly deaf and communicate by way of hearing, lipreading, some BSL and intelligent guesswork! 

Chandy Green

Chandy is disability & mental health advocate and active fundraiser who’s won awards for his work in his local community. After being diagnosed with a brain tumour as a child and undergoing treatment into adulthood Chandy has tried to show that despite a diagnosis you can work towards anything & live beyond a medical condition.

Holly Sutcliffe

Holly is a Neurodivergent Mental Health Advocate, who works with individuals, families and institutions as an Integrated Holistic Coach. As a late-diagnosed autistic human, Holly finally realised why and how she has struggled for so long to live a ‘full life’. Now, she embraces her version of ‘full’, which looks totally different to a neurotypical one and embraces the joyful, conscious, heart-led life she lives with her daughter by the sea.

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 who are at the forefront of encouraging exercise and campaigning.  

Hannah Beecham, RED Together Founder of RED January, a nationwide movement that’s empowering people across the UK to move every day in January to support their own mental health and raise funds to help others.  Hannah was inspired to start RED January after witnessing the transformative effect that regular physical activity had on her Mum’s mental health, particularly during the winter months, a time when many of us need an extra boost of motivation. Since it started, more than 200,000 people have taken part in raising millions of pounds for charity.  

Simon Hawtrey-Woore, Outdoor Executive Coach Simon leads his life with a deep curiosity for people and experiences, a passion for open collaboration, a desire to keep things simple and a love of the outdoors.  Simon believes that staying connected with our sense of adventure is the most potent way to escalate our impact and fulfilment. Simon has 25 years of marketing experience and 16 years as a coach helping senior business leaders find their true path so that they can live life as a fulfilling adventure in their career and beyond.

Katie Burt, Writer and Runner A writer and professional contemplator. When not found with a laptop at her fingertips, you will likely find Katie running, attempting to cycle, or seeking out decent coffee.  Katie has built up a loyal social following, proud member of the RED January community ‘REDer’ and during lockdown completed a half marathon running around her living room! 

Jon Salmon, Host & Speakers Collective Director Jon will be hosting the conversation and would describe himself as a reluctant runner. However, it has been campaigns and social movements like RED January that has motivated Jon to keep putting the trainers back on.