The 10 Best Speakers to Hire for Suicide Prevention Week 2026

CONTENT WARNING: This blog post discusses sensitive topics, including suicide, harmful thoughts, bullying, and grief.

Suicide prevention is not a peripheral issue; it is a deeply human responsibility that affects families, friends and entire communities. For those planning awareness events, community initiatives or moments of reflection, the Mental Health Speakers Agency can help support conversations that are compassionate, informed and centred on care. This blog post highlights credible voices who encourage understanding, reduce stigma and help create safer, more supportive environments for everyone.

When is World Suicide Prevention Week?

World Suicide Prevention Day takes place annually on the 10th of September, sitting in the middle of World Suicide Prevention Week, which lasts between the 6th and the 12th of September. According to official reports, more than 720,000 people die by suicide globally each year, and for every suicide, there are an estimated 20 suicide attempts. Organisations often mark the week with educational talks, training sessions and supportive forums. Booking a specialist mental health speaker offers the opportunity to address stigma, share lived experience safely, and signpost appropriate aid.

Source: World Health Organisation

What is the Theme for World Suicide Prevention Week?

The official theme for World Suicide Prevention Week and the wider awareness period spanning 2024 to 2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”. This theme, announced by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), encourages individuals, communities, organisations and workplaces to shift how suicide is discussed and understood — moving from silence and stigma towards openness, empathy and informed support. It highlights the role of language, attitudes and social contexts in preventing suicide and promotes compassionate, evidence-informed conversations.

Source: International Association for Suicide Prevention

How to Support Employees That May Be Struggling:

Poor mental health costs UK employers billions annually through absenteeism, presenteeism and turnover. Proactive education during Suicide Prevention Week can strengthen psychological safety and encourage earlier support-seeking. Below is a list of ways employers can support staff who may be suffering from mental health problems:

• Cultivate a culture of compassion and openness
• Understand that everyone experiences mental health differently
• Ensure there is good communication and people management amongst employees
• Instil confidence and competency in management to allow for sensitive and supportive conversations to take place
• Identify and expel unfair treatment in the workplace, such as bullying, harassment, or discrimination
• Provide areas of support through every process, including disciplinary, dismissal, and redundancy procedures

Source: CIPD

Speakers Aligned with This Topic

The following list of expert speakers has been compiled based on the feedback from 135 mental health events between 2024-2025:

1. 1. 1. 1. Neil Laybourn
         2. Jonny Benjamin
         3. Nigel Owens
         4. Aderonke Apata
         5. Matt Haig
         6. Mark Brooks
         7. Liz McConaghy
         8. Neil Shah
         9. Ben Smith
         10. Harnaam Kaur

1. Neil Laybourn

Neil Laybourn is recognised for his role in intervening during a suicide crisis, an experience that shaped his career in mental health advocacy. He speaks to corporate audiences about active listening, human connection and intervention confidence. Suitable for leadership conferences and awareness weeks, Neil provides a grounded perspective on how ordinary people can make a difference. A practical takeaway for audiences is how to approach difficult conversations without assuming responsibility for clinical outcomes.

2. Jonny Benjamin

Jonny Benjamin is an award-winning mental health campaigner known for his openness about living with schizoaffective disorder and suicidal thoughts. His talks are appropriate for large conferences and internal well-being campaigns. Jonny addresses stigma, digital communities and recovery journeys, helping employers understand the long-term impact of compassionate workplace responses. Audiences leave with clearer insight into the importance of signposting and inclusive language.

3. Nigel Owens

Nigel Owens, former international rugby referee, speaks candidly about depression and identity. His background in elite sport resonates strongly with leadership teams and performance-driven cultures. Nigel explores resilience, authenticity and seeking help early. A key takeaway for managers is recognising that high performers may still struggle privately and creating environments where openness is normalised.

4. Aderonke Apata

Aderonke Apata is a barrister and LGBTQ+ advocate who shares her experience of trauma, discrimination and recovery. She is well-suited to inclusion-focused conferences and intersectional wellbeing initiatives. Aderonke helps organisations understand how marginalisation can compound mental health risks. Her sessions encourage practical allyship and structured support networks within diverse teams.

5. Matt Haig

Matt Haig is an internationally bestselling author whose work explores depression, anxiety and recovery. Frequently engaged for large corporate audiences, he blends storytelling with thoughtful reflection on modern pressures. Matt provides accessible language for discussing suicidal ideation and hope. Audiences gain a clearer understanding of how the environment and expectations influence mental well-being.

6. Mark Brooks

Mark Brooks specialises in men’s health and suicide prevention, advising organisations on gender-sensitive approaches. His expertise suits HR strategy days and policy reviews. Mark offers insight into why men are statistically at higher risk and how workplace culture influences help-seeking. A practical takeaway is adapting communication strategies to reach underrepresented groups effectively.

7. Liz McConaghy

Liz McConaghy focuses on workplace wellbeing and suicide prevention training. She works well with managers and HR professionals seeking structured frameworks. Liz translates policy into practical steps, helping organisations embed supportive processes. Audiences gain clarity on referral pathways and boundaries between peer support and professional intervention.

8. Neil Shah

Neil Shah is Chief De-Stressing Officer at The Stress Management Society. His expertise in stress, burnout and emotional regulation supports prevention-focused programmes. Ideal for corporate conferences, Neil explains how unmanaged stress can escalate into a crisis. A practical audience takeaway is implementing preventative wellbeing strategies before risk intensifies.

9. Ben Smith

Ben Smith, founder of the 401 Challenge, shares his journey of running 401 marathons in 401 days while addressing bullying and mental health struggles. His sessions suit large-scale corporate events and awareness campaigns. Ben links physical endurance with mental resilience and the importance of supportive communities. Audiences are encouraged to consider early intervention and collective responsibility.

10. Harnaam Kaur

Harnaam Kaur speaks on body positivity, identity and self-acceptance after facing significant public scrutiny. Her perspective resonates with organisations focusing on diversity and psychological safety. Harnaam addresses how shame and exclusion impact mental well-being. A key takeaway is fostering cultures where difference is respected, reducing isolation that can heighten vulnerability.

Hire a Mental Health Speaker for World Suicide Prevention Week 2026 Today!

Thoughtful planning for Suicide Prevention Week can strengthen culture, leadership credibility and employee trust. Support your employees by hiring a mental health speaker for World Suicide Prevention Week. Contact The Mental Health Speakers Agency by filling our online contact form or calling one of our dedicated booking agents on 0203 9816 297.