Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in the number of organisations that prioritise the mental health of their staff, stakeholders and community members; a trend that has led to increased demand for speakers who specialise in overcoming trauma, adversity and stress.
These organisations know that there are not just financial gains to be made - there’s also the less tangible but equally important aspects of building a culture of resilience, optimism and social coherence.
So who is available to speak to your people and what are their key messages on mental health?
Read on for seven exceptional Australians’ take on this critically important topic.
Dr Gill Hicks - Survivor of the London terrorist bombings in 2005
“Having confidence and trust in ourselves allows us to make transformational choices.”
Hicks is an advocate for Sustainable Peace and a powerful voice in countering Violent Extremism.
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg - Psychologist specialising in parenting, children and adolescents
“Technology can be used to improve our mental health.”
Dr Carr-Gregg shares examples of the latest research and best tech tools available to aid in mental wellbeing.
Nasir Sobhani - Hairdresser known as ‘The Streets Barber’
“I battled with drug and alcohol addiction and my family helped me out of that. Now I want to give other people a clean start.”
Sobhani, who gives haircuts and shaves to the homeless people of Melbourne, has learnt that there is a real need to combat prejudice and social injustice with compassion. His talk focuses on this and helps people unlock their true purpose.
Sabina Read - Psychologist specialising in relationships and communication.
“We have more in common that we realise. My mission is to help people understand the universality of the human experience”
Read explores this concept with examples, and shows how fostering connection lowers stress and improves mental health.
Michael Bunting - CEO of WorkSmart and creator of well organisations
“A well organisation has proud, engaged employees and operates based on care, integrity and sustainability whilst being highly profitable.”
Michael shares practical strategies on how you can improve the wellness of your organisation by implementing Mindfulness, and more.
Jules Allen - Youth advocate and inspiring Australian.
“Your greatest adversity is your greatest gift.”
Jules, who now has a Masters in Sociology and her TEDx Melbourne presentation, Gifts in Shitty Wrapping Paper, earned a standing ovation.
Sam Bloom - Survivor of a spinal injury who shared her journey to recovery with a Magpie chick named Penguin.
“I had to change my attitude in order to recover and save my family from falling apart. Penguin showed me how.”
Bloom takes audiences on a rollercoaster emotional journey through the highs and lows of her recovery.
