Top 10 Keynote Speakers to Help With Blue Monday in 2024

Declared the most depressing day of the year, Blue Monday is universally characterised by unequivocal sadness, a lack of morale and low energy. An amalgamation of miserable weather, empty pockets post Christmas and the weight of unsustainable New Year’s resolutions. A day to be cognizant of these feelings, Blue Monday is the best day to prioritise your mental health and allow yourself to address these feelings of sadness or depression that may arise for many during the winter months.

When is Blue Monday in 2024?

Observed on the third Monday of the year, in 2024 Blue Monday falls on the 15th of January.
Source: Awareness Days
This year, you could turn to some of our phenomenal keynote speakers, who are bound to help you move past these feelings of sadness and look forward to a happy rest of the year.

Hire one of these 10 keynote speakers to help with Blue Monday in 2024!

1. Dr Alex George
2. Frankie Bridge
3. Jonny Benjamin
4. Ollie Ollerton
5. Samantha Clarke
6. Hope Virgo
7. Luciana Berger
8. Claire Lomas 
9. Jason Fox
10. Matt Haig

1. Dr. Alex George

Dr. Alex George, a figure who first gained public attention as a contestant on the reality TV show “Love Island,” has since evolved into a prominent mental health advocate and motivational keynote speaker. Leveraging his fame, Alex, an A&E doctor by profession, has tirelessly worked towards promoting mental wellbeing. His journey from Instagram influencer to a key advisor in the corridors of power, including Parliament, highlights his unwavering commitment to mental health awareness.

His appointment as the UK Government’s Youth Ambassador for Mental Health in 2021 by Prime Minister Boris Johnson is a testament to his influence and dedication. This role was a result of his relentless campaigning for better mental health support, especially significant in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic and following the tragic suicide of his brother. He advocates for mental health education on par with subjects like maths and English in the national curriculum. His recent endeavours include hosting “Naked Education,” a show aimed at fostering body positivity, and authoring the Sunday Times Number 1 Bestseller ‘Live Well Every Day’. As a sought-after speaker, Alex combines his medical expertise, personal experiences, and media presence to drive an informed, open conversation on mental health. His talks are renowned for their accessibility and impact, making Dr. Alex George an invaluable resource in the domain of mental health advocacy and education.

Official Testimonial for Dr. Alex George:

“We were eager to work with Dr Alex after developing our Emotional Pillar within Consumer Experience for L’Oreal Professional Products Division. Alex is a great figure, doing some amazing things to raise awareness and amplify the topic of Mental Health and he did not disappoint. He inspired the delegates and got people thinking about the important topic. He was on time for every meeting and even when we made a last-minute date and time change he accepted and adapted without any complaints. Alex was inspiring, professional and relatable throughout and we will definitely be looking to work with him again. Keep up the fabulous work Alex!” – Gayatri, L’Oreal

2. Frankie Bridge

Frankie Bridge, once a member of the renowned girl group The Saturdays, has successfully transitioned from a celebrated singer and television personality to a motivational mental health speaker. Known for her vivacious and charismatic presence, Frankie’s journey in the spotlight began with The Saturdays in 2007, leading to global fame, numerous top-ten hits, platinum albums, and extensive tours with notable artists. Frankie’s early years in the spotlight, starting as a child star with S Club Juniors, weren’t without challenges. Her struggle with depression culminated in a mental breakdown in 2011, which led to her seeking help in a rehabilitative facility. These experiences profoundly shaped her mission as an ambassador for the mental health charity Mind.

Through her podcast “Open Mind,” Frankie fosters open conversations about mental health, drawing from a spectrum of personal experiences. Her book, “OPEN: Why Asking for Help Can Save Your Life,” further delves into her journey, emphasising the power of seeking support. As a mental health speaker, Frankie offers a unique perspective, intertwining her personal narrative with the broader complexities of mental health issues. Her talks not only inspire but also enlighten, emphasising the significance of discussing and addressing mental health challenges.

3. Jonny Benjamin

Jonny Benjamin stands as a beacon of hope in the realm of mental health advocacy. As a renowned YouTuber and motivational keynote speaker, he channels his personal struggles into empowering narratives, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide. His journey began with a profound personal crisis on Waterloo Bridge, where a stranger, Neil Laybourn, intervened, setting Jonny on a transformative path. This life-altering encounter spurred the viral ‘Find Mike’ campaign in 2014, aimed at locating Neil, a quest that garnered international attention and culminated in the heartwarming reunion documented in the film, “The Stranger on the Bridge.”

Battling mental health issues from a young age, including auditory hallucinations and schizoaffective disorder, Jonny’s experiences shaped his resolve to destigmatise mental health. His speaking events are not just narratives of survival; they are powerful calls to action, emphasising the importance of speaking out and seeking help. He founded Beyond, a foundation focused on intervening in the mental health crises of young people. Jonny Benjamin’s work as a mental health and motivational keynote speaker offers not just insight but also tangible hope to those navigating the complexities of mental health.

Official Testimonial for Jonny Bejnamin:

“Please pass on our thanks to Jonny – his talk was great and extremely well received. I have done a post event survey and responses so far have been fantastic.” – Olivia, University of Huddersfield

4. Ollie Ollerton

Ollie Ollerton, who is best known for his role as Directing Staff on SAS: Who Dares Wins, is a former UK Special Forces Soldier whose successful, yet challenging career has established him as a respected mental health speaker. His personal battles with mental health, coupled with his military background, provide Ollie with unique insights into the struggles faced by individuals, especially veterans with PTSD. As an ambassador for charities like StrongMen and The Royal Marines Charity, he addresses various aspects of mental health with compassion and understanding.

Ollie’s military journey began at 18 as a Royal Marine Commando. During his six years with the SBS, Ollie developed skills in diverse areas like hostage negotiation and counter-terrorism. This demanding career took a toll on his mental health, leading Ollie to grapple with alcohol and anti-anxiety medications upon his return to civilian life. Rejecting the notion that emotions are a weakness, Ollie turned his challenges into a force for good. He co-created Battle Ready 360, a health and wellness app, with Jason Fox. As an ambassador of StrongMen, Ollie focuses on emotional and mental health issues related to bereavement. His candid discussions about his mental health journey make him a relatable and effective speaker, particularly for those dealing with PTSD. Ollie’s passion for helping others is evident in his speeches, where he emphasises the importance of not feeling isolated in one’s struggles. Ollie Ollerton’s experiences enable him to speak authoritatively on mental and physical limits, making him a sought-after motivational and mental health keynote speaker.

Official Testimonial for Ollie Ollerton:

“Please can you pass on a HUGE thanks from all of us here at Rubrik and from our customers & partners. Such a great presentation, really well received, and Ollie was incredible! As he was telling the story of being chased by militia I literally stopped breathing! Fantastic speaker & he deserves every success with his business ventures – great guy!” – Emilie, Rubric Inc

5. Samantha Clarke

Samantha Clarke stands out as an influential mental health and motivational keynote speaker, leveraging her expertise as a happiness consultant to transform workplace environments. Founding ‘Samantha &’ consultancy, she specialises in fostering happiness in the workplace, building positive company cultures, and ensuring employees feel valued. Her insights make her an exceptional mental health speaker, consistently boosting morale and satisfaction among her audiences. Her notable achievements include authoring the best-selling book “Love It or Leave It,” which integrates her passions for psychology, philosophy, wellbeing, and culture, guiding readers to pursue what truly makes them happy.

As a keynote speaker, Samantha has graced TEDx stages, sharing her wisdom on mental health and wellbeing, and equipping audiences with practical tools for happiness and fulfillment. Her roles as a lecturer at the School of Life and The Guardian further underscore her commitment to mental health, leading workshops focused on career and personal growth. When speaking on mental health, Samantha Clarke inspires individuals to enact positive life changes, consistently helping her audiences find and sustain fulfillment.

Official Testimonial for Samantha Clarke:

“It was very obvious that Samantha loves what she does and cares about helping people. She genuinely cared about the problem we were having on our team and thought very critically about what could be done to help solve it. We appreciate Samantha’s hard work and dedication. She is a very talented woman and I, and my team, enjoyed working with her” – Alexandra, Shopify Studio Team

6. Hope Virgo

Hope Virgo is not only a leading mental health consultant and speaker but also a beacon of resilience and empowerment. Her journey from battling an eating disorder to becoming an influential voice in mental health advocacy is nothing short of remarkable. At the tender age of 13, Hope’s life took a challenging turn as she developed anorexia. It wasn’t until she was 17, suffering from physical and mental decline, that she received the crucial help she needed. This period marked the beginning of her arduous yet transformative journey towards recovery. Today, Hope stands as a thriving individual, having mastered the tools necessary for maintaining her recovery. Her fight against using BMI as the sole criterion for treatment led to the inception of the impactful #DumpTheScales campaign.

Hope’s literary contributions, including ‘Hope Through Recovery’ and ‘Stand Tall Little Girl,’ provide practical guidance and a heartfelt narrative of her struggles and triumphs. These works, coupled with her frequent media appearances, amplify her influential voice in the mental health conversation. Hope’s expertise extends beyond her personal experiences. As a speaker, she skillfully intertwines her own story with educational insights, offering audiences valuable coping mechanisms for mental wellness. Her ability to connect and engage with various groups, from. Hope Virgo, through her journey, advocacy, and speaking, exemplifies the power of turning adversity into a source of hope and inspiration for others.

Official Testimonial for Hope Virgo:

“Hope delivers a very real and important message about coping with mental illness. She connects very well with her audience especially given this very personal and sensitive subject. It was a pleasure welcoming her to speak at our Mental Health Awareness Week.” – Kamran, Head of Credit, Royal Bank of Canada

7. Luciana Berger

Luciana Berger is a pivotal figure in mental health, renowned for her impactful tenure as the Liberal Democrat MP for Liverpool Wavertree from 2010 to 2019. Her journey in politics is marked by her passionate advocacy for mental health and public health, particularly during her roles as Shadow Minister for Mental Health and Public Health. Luciana’s commitment to these causes has been unwavering, manifesting in influential campaigns aimed at enhancing health services and support.

Luciana’s dedication to mental health issues is evident in her successful campaigns, including the notable achievement of changing the law to ban smoking in cars with children and spearheading the #WheresYourHeadAt campaign, advocating for increased employer responsibility in mental health. As a trailblazer for women in politics, she served as the youngest female member of the front bench of Parliament, showcasing her leadership in a predominantly male-dominated field. Additionally, her chairmanship of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance highlights her commitment to inclusive health policies. As a keynote speaker, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, effectively illuminating the pressing need for change in mental health and wellbeing. Luciana Berger is not just a speaker but an inspirational figure, whose insights and guidance leave a lasting impact on audiences, inspiring change and understanding in the realms of mental health and public health.

Official Speaking Topics for Luciana Berger:

• Women in Politics
• Mental Health
• Antisemitism
• Diversity & Equality
• Wellbeing
• Climate Change

8. Claire Lomas

Claire Lomas is an embodiment of resilience, an inspiring paraplegic sportswoman, and a compelling mental health and motivational keynote speaker. Her journey, which pivoted dramatically following a tragic horse-riding accident in 2007, exemplifies profound courage and an unyielding spirit. Paralyzed from the chest down, Claire confronted unimaginable challenges. Yet, she refused to let her physical condition define her limits. Instead, she redefined the boundaries of possibility, both for herself and for others facing adversity. Claire’s sporting triumphs, including being the first to complete the London Marathon in a ReWalk suit and participating in numerous challenging sporting events, are not just feats of physical endurance but also monumental victories over mental barriers. Her journey is a testament to the power of positive thinking, resilience, and sheer determination in the face of life-altering circumstances.

As a speaker, Claire’s narrative resonates deeply with diverse audiences. She skillfully intertwines her personal story with universal themes of overcoming obstacles, mental wellness, and harnessing inner strength. Her talks are not merely accounts of her achievements; they are powerful, motivational sessions that ignite hope, inspire action, and offer practical insights into maintaining mental health and positivity in trying times. Claire’s accolades, including the 2012 Sunday Times Sportsman of the Year Award for Inspiration and an MBE, underscore her remarkable contributions. However, her true impact is measured in the lives she has touched and the minds she has empowered through her speaking engagements. As a motivational speaker, Claire Lomas doesn’t just share a story; she sparks a transformative experience, making her an invaluable presence at any event focused on mental health, motivation, and overcoming adversity.

Official Testimonial for Claire Lomas:

“Claire’s talk was fantastic- just what we had hoped for and more. Great feedback from everyone who attended and I don’t know how we can ever top that. Thanks for demo-ing the ReWalk suit and for tailoring your content to our audience. Perfect.” – Mark, Kennedys Law

9. Jason Fox

Jason Fox, a former British soldier and now a celebrated TV star, has become an influential mental health and motivational keynote speaker. His journey from a Royal Marine Commando to a mental health advocate is both inspiring and impactful. Beginning his military career at 16, Jason’s experiences in some of the world’s most challenging environments, including dealing with hostages and terrorists, shaped his resilience. However, this came at a cost. Diagnosed with PTSD in 2012 after 20 years in the military, he faced immense personal battles, including loneliness and suicidal thoughts.

His candid discussion of these struggles, especially in his Sunday Times best-seller “Battle Scars,” has been a source of inspiration for many. Jason’s transition to the public eye began with Channel 4’s “SAS: Who Dares Wins,” where his expertise in military training was showcased. He further expanded his reach through his investigative journalism in “Meet the Drug Lords: Inside the real Narcos” and other TV shows. Now, as a mental health speaker, Jason utilises his platform to educate others on mental resilience, overcoming adversity, and leadership. In addition to his speaking roles, he founded BreakPoint, a teambuilding company, further extending his influence in teaching mental toughness and leadership skills. Through these endeavours, Jason Fox has transformed his challenging past into a powerful tool for motivating and supporting others in their mental health journeys.

Official Testimonial for Jason Fox:

“Jason Fox spoke at our Company Conference. He was humble, yet inspiring, and managed to keep the audience’s attention throughout his whole talk. He stimulated more questions from the team than we have ever had before for a speaker. I would highly recommend him to businesses who want to inspire their team on team work, resilience and positive mental attitude.” – Kay, Hasbro

10. Matt Haig

Matt Haig, a best-selling author and renowned mental health speaker, has transformed his personal struggles with major depressive disorder into a source of inspiration for others. At 24, facing life-threatening depression, he attempted to end his life. This harrowing experience became a turning point, leading him to become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. His journey is not just a story of survival but of flourishing despite challenges. Matt’s literary achievements span various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and children’s literature. His critically acclaimed work, “Reasons to Stay Alive,” delves into his battles with depression and anxiety, offering readers insight into managing severe mental health conditions. This book, a Sunday Times best-seller, resonates deeply with audiences, providing hope and practical advice for living positively while coping with mental illnesses.

Matt skillfully addresses complex themes in a manner accessible to young minds, evidenced by his award-winning book “Shadow Forest,” which garnered the Nestle Children’s Book Prize in 2007. His openness about his experiences, coupled with his engaging storytelling, leaves audiences enlightened and motivated. Matt Haig’s commitment to helping others through his speaking engagements and writing demonstrates his dedication to making a positive difference in the world of mental health.

Book a Keynote Speaker to Help With Blue Monday 2024!

If you are looking for a keynote speaker to offer you words of encouragement and motivation in order to get through Blue Monday 2024, hire one of our remarkable keynote speakers.

To hire a mental health keynote speaker for your next event contact the Mental Health Speakers Agency via phone on 0203 9816 296 or our online contact form.