Jonny Benjamin & Neil Laybourn

Jonny Benjamin and Neil Laybourn are inspirational speakers who have become recognised as award-winning mental health campaigners. Brought together by a chance encounter that changed both their lives, they now use their platform to share their story, spark conversations, and challenge the stigma that still surrounds mental health. Their unique partnership demonstrates the power of kindness and the life-changing impact of simply reaching out to another person in need.

Jonny Benjamin’s journey with mental health began at an early age. Diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder, a combination of Schizophrenia and Bipolar, he experienced frequent hospital stays and often struggled with suicidal thoughts. In 2008, at his lowest point, Jonny considered ending his life on Waterloo Bridge in London. It was there that Neil Laybourn, a passing stranger, stopped to talk with him, offering compassion and hope that saved Jonny’s life. Jonny sought to find the stranger who had intervened, launching the viral #FindMike campaign. The search gained international attention, supported by celebrities and viewed millions of times, before ultimately reuniting Jonny and Neil just weeks after it began.

Following their reunion, the pair joined forces to advocate for mental health awareness. Their story was captured in the Channel 4 documentary ‘Stranger on the Bridge’, and Jonny went on to publish ‘The Stranger on the Bridge: My Journey from Despair to Hope’, and have continued to expand their impact, with Jonny also co-authoring ‘The Book of Hope: 101 Voices on Overcoming Adversity‘. Together, they co-founded Beyond, a charity supporting children’s mental health, and became ambassadors for Mental Health UK. Neil established the influential This Can Happen workplace conference, while Jonny created ThinkWell, a programme designed to improve awareness of mental health in schools.

As mental health speakers, Jonny and Neil are sought after for their honesty, relatability, and ability to connect deeply with audiences. They do not simply speak about mental health in theory but from lived experience, blending personal testimony with practical insight. Their work highlights the importance of empathy, kindness, and conversation in supporting those who are struggling. By sharing their journey together, they inspire individuals, organisations, and communities to approach mental health with compassion and openness. Widely regarded as two of the UK’s most influential voices on mental health, Jonny and Neil continue to empower others to seek help, support one another, and break down the barriers of silence that too often surround mental illness.