Richard McGhee

Former Firefighter for Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, Turned Mental Health Speaker

  • Helped shape a new Chemical Incident Vehicle for the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service
  • Received a Commendation for a rescue during a house fire
  • Worked in partnership on media work for Mind
  • Met Prince William & Princess Kate for World Mental Health Day celebrations at City Hall in London

When Richard McGhee is booked for events, they are known to discuss the following speaking topics:

Mental Health
Mental Health Triggers
Mental Health Recovery
Dealing With & Overcoming Mental Health Issues

Richard McGhee forged a successful career as a Firefighter in the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, before his struggles with mental health led to him making the decision to hang up his fire kit for the last time. Despite the adversity he has faced, Richard uses his struggles as a force for good, now booked as a mental health speaker who shares his personal experience with mental health issues. When looking to hire a mental health speaker who will provide an emotive and authentic account of mental health, don’t hesitate in hiring Richard McGhee today.

At 18, Richard began working as a Firefighter for the Devon Fire and Rescue Service in his home town. Finding great success in the fire service, Richard also worked in a variety of community-facing educational roles such as helping young people involved in crime or anti-social behaviour to integrate back into a stable society, enrol in further education or find employment. Nearing the end of 2012, Richard began to develop mental health challenges, which were heightened by a transfer to Taunton and the birth of his second child. With his standards slipping at work, Richard’s work colleagues noticed his struggles and encouraged him to get the help he so desperately needed.

Richard’s mental health struggles led to the breakdown of his relationship, and in 2014 he separated from his partner. This event led to Richard reaching out for help, which he now passionately advocates for as a mental health speaker. Focussing on his wellbeing, family and career, Richard got back on track with his emotional wellbeing, working to create a new chemical incident vehicle and winning a commendation for a rescue during a house fire. In 2015, Richard attended a road traffic accident that involved a pregnant woman, which caused Richard to meltdown – triggered by the trauma of a miscarriage he and his partner experienced back in 2012.

Having attempted suicide multiple times and pushed away those around him, Jamie ultimately made the decision to hang up his fire kit one last time. Despite the adversity he faced throughout his career, Richard has turned the negative into great positives, having since worked in partnership with Mind on media work and provided a range of talks for other blue light organisations on mental health days. Richard has also had the honour of meeting Prince William and Princess Kate for World Mental Health Day celebrations at City Hall in London, honoured for his commitments to mental health advocacy. If you are looking for an authentic and moving speaker on mental health, don’t hesitate in hiring Richard McGhee today.

To enquire about Richard McGhee for your event or corporate function, simply contact us via agent@mentalhealthspeakers.co.uk or call a booking agent on 0203 9816 296.