Stress Awareness Day 2024: Top 10 Speakers to Hire in the UK

Regarded as a ‘health epidemic of the 21st century’ by the World Health Organisation, stress affects countless members of the UK workforce, and is one of the foremost causes of illness amongst them.
Source: The British Psychological Society

What Are Some Common Causes For the Rise in Stress Levels?

Some universal contributors to high stress levels in the workforce include:

• Lack of Work-life Balance
• Lack of Support in the Workplace
• Poor Management & Leadership

Source: World Economic Forum & Health & Safety Executive

Nearly 74% of adults in the UK experienced alarming levels of stress in 2018 – a cause for concern that has only increased in the years that have followed. These staggering numbers affirm the necessity to observe International Stress Awareness Day.

When is International Stress Awareness Day?

Celebrated on the first Wednesday of November, this year International Stress Awareness Day falls on 6th November.

Source: International Stress Management Association

How Can We Celebrate Stress Awareness Day in the Workplace?

Here are some ways in which you can support your employees on Stress Awareness Day:

• Offer Self-Care Kits
• Treat Your Employees to a Nice Meal
• Organise a Company-Wide Nature Retreat
• Hire Stress Management Expert Speaker

Source: Web MD Health Services & BetterHelp

Who Are the Top 10 Stress Management Speakers in the UK?

• Ruby Wax
• Alastair Campbell
• Derek Redmond
• Martina Witter
• Ronan Harrington
• Katie Piper
• Kate Cook
• Ollie Ollerton
• Shamash Alidina
• Carole Spiers

1. Ruby Wax

Ruby Wax, an outstanding comedian turned mental health advocate, is celebrated for her influential keynote speeches on stress and mental health. As the author of bestsellers like “A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled”, she offers practical advice on coping with burnout and enhancing workplace wellbeing. Ruby’s unique approach combines humour with profound insights, drawn from her extensive education in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and psychotherapy. Her authenticity and expertise make her an impactful speaker on mental health, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide.

Official Testimonial for Ruby Wax:

“Ruby Wax spoke with passion, amazing depth of knowledge and, of course, great humour about the pressures and pitfalls of the human mind. She was incredibly well received by all who attended. I would definitely recommend Ruby for any event where mindfulness and mental health are a priority.” – HSBC

2. Alastair Campbell

Alastair Campbell, a well-known figure in British politics, has evolved into a compelling keynote speaker on mental health and stress awareness. After a high-pressure career and personal battles with depression and alcoholism, Alastair now shares his experiences to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health. His candid talks, enriched by his own journey to recovery and his role in various mental health charities, make him an influential advocate. His speeches are both educational and inspiring, making him a valuable speaker for Mental Health Awareness events.

Official Testimonial for Alastair Campbell:

“Controversial, thought-provoking and highly entertaining, Alastair gave a refreshingly candid insight into past and present political leaders and events that captivated our guests.” – Ernst & Young

3. Derek Redmond

Derek Redmond, a former Olympic athlete and renowned mental health advocate, is a compelling keynote speaker on mental resilience and stress management. His journey from setting British records in athletics to overcoming a career-ending injury exemplifies extreme mental toughness. Derek’s roles as Group Performance Director and high-profile executive, along with his personal experiences of discrimination and adversity, enrich his insights into resilience, change management, and diversity. His story inspires audiences globally, making him a must-see speaker for diverse events.

Official Testimonial for Derek Redmond:

“I would like to thank you very sincerely for your contribution to our KAM Summit, Dubai. It was really uplifting, enlightening and inspiring. This was truly one of the key highlights of our event. Not only your ambition, passion and determination is commendable, but your true spirit of “inspiring people and changing mindsets: From world class to world’s best is highly regarded and appreciated, once again, thank you so much for your remarkable contribution.” – Johnson & Johnson

4. Martina Witter

Martina Witter is an acclaimed mental health keynote speaker with over twenty years of experience as a Cognitive Behaviour Therapist and Director of Rapha Therapy & Training Services. Her compelling journey through depression, stress, and personal challenges fuels her speeches, inspiring audiences to transcend their struggles. With her background in psychology from the University of Manchester and roles in various health organisations, Martina offers actionable insights for overcoming mental health challenges and achieving personal growth. Her work, including the initiative Black Mental Wealth and the book ‘Resilience in the Workplace’, positions her as a transformative force in mental well-being.

Official Testimonial for Martina Witter:

“Hearing Martina speak to us about stress management was an absolute pleasure. Her presentation was insightful, knowledgeable and extremely useful. Despite only having a limited amount of time to present it was pack full of great information! The audience of the presentation was graduates and apprentices and she ensured to mention exam related stress which was really helpful and relevant. Participants were able to ask questions throughout which made the whole experience engaging. There were also interactive activities which further added to the presentation. Overall, I highly recommend Martina!” – Leanne, Operational Policy Officer, Transport for London

5. Ronan Harrington

Ronan Harrington is a renowned mental health and stress keynote speaker, specialising in burnout and resilience. His transformative approach, grounded in personal challenges and professional achievements, has made him a beacon in the industry. Ronan’s engaging style and profound insights have captivated audiences at Deloitte, KPMG, Sky, and Oxford University, earning him accolades such as Best Live Speaker. His workshops and leadership programs, rooted in a deep understanding of navigating change and adversity, empower individuals and organisations to thrive in uncertain times.

Official Testimonial for Ronan Harrington:

“Ronan is a world class resilience teacher. His ability to connect leaders with themselves and each other is rare.” – John, Head of Strategic Relationships, KPMG

6. Katie Piper

Katie Piper is a compelling keynote speaker on mental health, resilience, and stress management. Katie’s battle with life-changing injuries, a forced coma, and over 400 surgeries fueled her determination to advocate for positive body image, self-help, and resilience against criticism. Through her documentaries, best-selling books, and The Katie Piper Foundation, she shifts societal beauty perceptions. Her eloquent TED Talk and numerous TV appearances underscore her natural stage presence and ability to connect with audiences, making her an influential voice in promoting mental wellness and self-love.

Official Testimonial for Katie Piper:

“Katie was amazing yesterday, thank you! Her story is so inspiring and she came across as really humble and down to earth. Thank you for all of your help.” – Ernst & Young

7. Kate Cook

Kate Cook is an esteemed mental health, workplace wellbeing, and stress management keynote speaker with over two decades of experience as a nutritionist. Her expertise in transforming workplace cultures has benefited major organisations like the Bank of England and JP Morgan. Kate’s focus on physical health as a gateway to mental wellbeing resonates in her talks, where she shares insights on sugar addiction, sustainable energy, and the power of change. Her approach combines strategic eating with motivational techniques to empower audiences to adopt healthier lifestyles, enhancing both their physical and mental health.

Official Testimonial for Kate Cook:

“Thank you again Kate for a really interesting and excellent presentation which everyone seemed fully engaged with!” – Accenture Digital

8. Ollie Ollerton

Ollie Ollerton, a former UK Special Forces Soldier and star of SAS: Who Dares Wins, is a distinguished mental health and high-stress management speaker. His extensive military experience, including his tenure with the Special Boat Services and battles with PTSD, positions him uniquely to address mental resilience. A fervent advocate for veterans and the mentally distressed, Ollie shares his personal journey and recovery, empowering others through his roles with Break Point, Battle Ready 360, and charities like StrongMen. His insights into overcoming adversity resonate deeply with audiences, making him a compelling keynote speaker.

Official Testimonial for Ollie Ollerton:

“We were really happy with Ollie’s presentation. It was clear, honest, inspiring and most of all tangible. The tips and tricks he provided were the kind that you can actually practice easy and simple.” –Tetra Pak

9. Shamash Alidina

Shamash Alidina is an esteemed mindfulness and stress management keynote speaker with a profound commitment to enhancing mental wellbeing. As a best-selling author of 10 books and founder of the world’s first Museum of Happiness, Shamash has a rich background in science and education. He has successfully taught mindfulness in Fortune 500 companies and schools, trained nearly 500 teachers, and spoken at major conferences. His approach uniquely combines scientific insight with practical applications, making him a compelling speaker on the transformative power of mindfulness.

Official Testimonial for Shamash Alidina:

“Shamash was an inspiring science teacher who delivered excellence through his ability to communicate essential principles and ideas to his pupils through entertaining exploration. His attention to pastoral care and well-being of the pupils was enthusing. A motivating, positive and measured senior leader, he was always optimistic, readily accepting new initiatives and ideas. Shamash was a supportive and valued colleague whom I have no hesitation in highly recommending.” – Larissa, Director, IBM

10. Carole Spiers

Carole Spiers, a leading stress management expert and CEO of the Carole Spiers Group, is a sought-after keynote speaker on employee well-being. Chair of The International Stress Management Association (UK), Carole delivers transformative insights into creating a healthy workplace culture. Her authoritative voice in the industry, underpinned by her role as a Weekly Business Columnist and author of influential books like “Show Stress Who’s Boss!”, makes her an inspiring figure for audiences worldwide. Her commitment to empowering employees and leaders alike shines through in every engagement, making her an essential speaker for fostering a positive corporate environment.

Official Testimonial for Carole Spiers:

“Thank you for providing us with an excellent insight into stress managing stress, health and wellbeing.” – Brendan, Senior Vice-President Training & Development, Emirates Airline Group

Hire a Stress Management Speaker Today!

Help your employees learn new ways to alleviate their stress by booking one of the UK’s leading stress management and mental health keynote speakers. Complete our online contact form or speak to one of our dedicated booking agents on 0203 9816 296 today!