With over 25 years’ experience in mental health, Abigail brings a distinctive perspective shaped by her early career as a psychotherapist and Head of Counselling at Coventry University, alongside her current role at the mental health charity, The Charlie Waller Trust. As Director of Charlie Waller Workplace, she works with organisations to embed evidence-based best practice in mental health and wellbeing at work.

Abigail joined the Trust after serving as Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing at Acas, where she led the development of its internal and external approach to mental health in the workplace. She currently co-chairs the Mental Health Group for the Council for Work and Health and has previously sat as the workplace expert on the NICE guidelines for mental wellbeing at work.

She holds Master’s degrees in both Psychotherapy and Psychology. Beyond her professional work, Abigail is a school governor and mentors young people to support their transition into employment.

Natasha Devon MBE is a writer, broadcaster and campaigner.  Since 2008, Natasha has visited schools and events throughout the world delivering talks and conducting research on mental health and related issues such as body image and gender equality. She is co-founder of Where’s Your Head At, a campaign to improve workplace mental health outcomes and founder of the Mental Health Media Charter, which scrutinises the way mental health is discussed and portrayed in the news.

Natasha has a weekly show on LBC (one of Britain’s most popular speech radio stations) on Saturday 6-9pm. She has been awarded an MBE for her services to young people and is a Fellow of the University of Wales: Aberystwyth. In 2024 she was named one of the UK’s most influential queer women in both the DIVA and Pride power lists.

Laura Mackay is the CEO of Just Like Us, the UK’s leading charity for LGBT+ youth. She is a former Assistant Headteacher with a passion for inclusive education.

She taught English and led on equality, diversity and inclusion in schools for over a decade before moving to the charity sector. She is a school governor and Teach First ambassador; a rugby player and a soprano!

Sinéad Mc Brearty is CEO at Education Support, the mental health and wellbeing charity for the education workforce across the UK. She advocates for a systemic approach to wellbeing for the education workforce, attending to the individual, the workplace and the wider policy environment. She works with governments in England and Wales, using independent mental health and wellbeing research to amplify the voice of the education workforce.

Sinéad spent the first part of her career at KPMG before moving to leadership roles in the not-for-profit sector. She has worked as an organisational development consultant and a university lecturer and has been a school governor and charity trustee.

Rachel Kelly is a bestselling writer, public speaker and mental health campaigner. She writes regularly for the press and gives TV and radio interviews to help educate and break down the stigma around mental illness in her role as an ambassador for several mental health charities including SANE and Rethink Mental Illness. Her latest book is on how parents and teachers can support the wellbeing of teenagers and young people: The Gift of Teenagers: Connect More, Worry Less. 

Jaki is an experienced Humanistic/Integrative Therapist and Supervisor, and currently works for the Schools Mental Health Service (Brighton and Hove City Council) as a Senior Primary Mental Health Worker, Clinical Supervisor and IPTA Therapist. Jaki also works part time in private practice as an Integrative Counsellor and Supervisor.

The Schools Mental Health Service works to promote mental well-being in schools and reduce stigma around mental health.

The team helps set up systems and services in schools that will enable schools to be more proactive in meeting the mental health needs of their pupils. They also work to build staff confidence in understanding and supporting students’ mental health needs.

The service aims to make it easier for children, young people and families to access appropriate support when it’s needed.

Over two decades working with families.  Currently non-clinical family support with children/young people 4-19 and parents in the Schools Mental Health Service (Brighton & Hove).  Previous roles in Elective Home Education and Medical Needs Tuition teams, Family Coach Hubs, Traveller Education and Youth Work.

Roisin McEvoy is the Head of Schools Training and National Programmes at Anna Freud. She leads the team of education and clinical experts who deliver professional learning and national programmes around whole-school approaches to mental health and wellbeing. She is a former teacher and school leader in London secondary schools.

Alessandro began his career as an English teacher through Teach First, later leading in inclusion, staff development, pastoral care, and curriculum as a Deputy Headteacher. He recently served as Executive Headteacher of Academy21, shaping flexible, high-quality online education. With extensive experience in SEND and inclusion, Alessandro understands the barriers many learners face and the transformative impact of alternative provision. He now oversees Academy21 operations, driving an inclusive, engaging student experience that supports personal growth and achievement. Alessandro holds an MA in Educational Leadership and the NPQH and is passionate about helping all learners thrive through tailored support and inspiring curricula.

Katie Parks is an accredited child counsellor, mental health lead and Thrive lead at a primary school in London. Her previous role was a senior teacher working across a range of mainstream primary settings. Katie is very passionate and knowledgeable about SEMH provisions for children and young people. She was pivotal in helping her school to achieve the Thrive Schools of Excellence Award. Katie has recently published a blog for the BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists). Her recent article about the emotional impact of inspections and the importance of psychological safety in schools was published in the BACP Journal. Katie is a key note speaker at mental health conferences.

Nicola Gough is a licensed Thrive trainer in Early Years, Childhood and Adolescence, she is also a Family Thrive Course Leader and Practitioner. Her previous role was a Senior Learning Mentor. She was pivotal in helping her school to achieve the Thrive School of Excellence Award. Nicola is passionate about supporting children and families to thrive! She shares good practise across all schools in her local authority. Nicola is a regular contributor to webinars with Thrive, these have included, supporting Emotionally Based School Avoidance and Whole School Approach to Well-being. Nicola is a key note speaker at mental health conferences.

Rachel Kelly is a bestselling writer, public speaker and mental health campaigner. She writes regularly for the press and gives TV and radio interviews to help educate and break down the stigma around mental illness in her role as an ambassador for several mental health charities including SANE and Rethink Mental Illness. Her latest book is on how parents and teachers can support the wellbeing of teenagers and young people: The Gift of Teenagers: Connect More, Worry Less. 

My role in education spans over 20 years, with a diverse background including mainstream education, EAL (English as an Additional Language), and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). I have achieved a Bachelor of Education, NASENCo Award, a Certificate in Competence in Educational Testing, and completed a Master’s Degree in SEND and Inclusion. My teaching career began in mainstream schools before I transitioned into roles focusing on supporting students with additional learning needs. My journey led me to a complex special needs school, where I took on the position of Deputy Head Teacher.

Currently serving as a Trust SENDCo and Inclusion Officer, I work across a network of schools, leading initiatives that promote inclusion and support for students with complex needs. My current research project is centered on providing mental health support for non-speaking autistic individuals, an area I am deeply passionate about. I like to say that in my role I am dedicated to ensuring that all learners receive the support they need to thrive, advocating for inclusive education.

Gemma is Associate Professor in Mental Health Nursing at the University of Salford. Previously she  held the post of Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing at Liverpool John Moores University (2020-2023) having earlier spent over 3 years as a lecturer and researcher at Kings College, London (2016 -2020).

Clinically, she has over 30 years direct experience of working with young people and adults with complex mental health difficulties. Up to Summer 2016, Gemma was Nurse Consultant and clinical lead for a Tier4 CAMHS day service and outpatient service with GMW NHS Foundation Mental Health Trust in Manchester. Here she specialised in working with young people who self-harm.

She has also spent over 20 years as an active researcher. In 2001 she completed her PhD thesis, evaluating a group treatment for self harm which she co-designed. She has been a lead clinician of this promising treatment in 3 large multi-centre randomized controlled trials (Australia and UK) investigating outcomes, transferability and cost-effectiveness. She has published this research and other work in peer reviewed journals and books and has presented the findings at several national and international conferences.

Gemma is a co-editor and author of six chapters in a soon to be published book (June 2025) entitled  “ Needs of Children and Young People Living with Complex Mental Health Difficulties – Why it’s Everyone’s Business” (Springer Nature). Additonally, she also edited and authored 3 chapters of a well received book “Helping Children and Young People who Self Harm -An introduction to self-harming and suicidal behaviours for health professionals”. She continues to actively publish with current interests in transgender issues, the impact of social media on young people’s mental health and suicide risk among the nursing profession.

In 2021 and 2022 she was chair of the RCN Children and Young People’s  Staying Healthy Forum which has over 4500 professional members.

Between 2019 and 2022, she was an invited member of the NICE Guideline Development Committee on the management, treatment and prevention of recurrence of self harm, representing mental health nursing interests for children and young people. The NICE Guideline was published in September 2022.

Jenny Tomei is a qualified Nutritional and Eating Disorder Therapist, Personal Trainer, and Public Speaker. She has delivered awareness talks on eating disorders for the Metropolitan Police, Lloyds Pharmacy, and the Bank of England. She has also been a keynote speaker at international and UK schools.

Her work includes speaking to local communities and schools about her recovery journey from anorexia, alongside her recent work with JenUp. JenUp is a non-profit organisation based around early intervention and prevention of eating disorders. She provides students, parents, and teachers with various types of workshops on eating disorder awareness, body image, nutrition, and how to support someone in need. The organisation is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and Smile of Hope Charity.

Stephanie Camilleri is the founder of the newly formed Empower ADHD which she created after 7 years at the helm of The ADHD Advocate, winner of the 2024 ADHD Empowerment Champion Award (SME Awards). A former City lawyer and SEN Governor turned accredited ADHD coach and trainer, Stephanie is the creator of the 6 Steps to Academic Success programme and the founder of the UK’s first and only ADHD Coaching Summit. She has delivered training to a wide range of settings, from selective schools like St Albans Girls’ School to PRUs such as Ryan Academy, and coached students at schools such as Eton and Channing. A regular speaker at national conferences including the TES SEN Show and EdClass’s Alternative Provision Conference, Stephanie empowers educators with the tools, knowledge and confidence to create inclusive, neuro-affirming environments where students with ADHD can thrive.

During 26 years of dedicated experience in Primary education, I have cultivated a career marked by leadership, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in teaching and learning. Having held a variety of leadership roles, including headship, I have been deeply involved in shaping educational strategies and driving school improvement at both individual and systemic levels.

Throughout my career, I have embraced opportunities to lead and inspire, whether as a school leader or through extensive school-to-school support initiatives. My ability to identify challenges, implement effective strategies, and foster collaboration has resulted in measurable improvements in teaching standards and pupil outcomes.

A key focus of my work has been supporting the next generation of educators. As a passionate advocate for initial teacher training, I have mentored countless aspiring teachers, instilling in them a love for education and a commitment to lifelong learning. My role as a University lecturer has allowed me to bridge the gap between academia and practical classroom experience, enriching the training and development of new educators.

The well- being of staff, children and parents in primary schools is a cornerstone of creating a positive, thriving learning environment. Addressing mental health needs is no longer optional – it is essential for fostering resilience, engagement, and overall success in schools.

I believe in the transformative power of education to change lives. My career has been driven by a commitment to equity, excellence, and collaboration. Whether supporting individual schools, leading teams, or guiding future teachers, my focus remains on creating opportunities for all pupils to thrive and succeed.

Charlotte is an experienced professional who has extensive experience in supporting and advising senior leaders, governors and SENCos within schools to identify where improvements could be made within their SEND provision, and then provide a targeted action plan and support to make those improvements through coaching and mentoring, training and/or hands on support.

She is a qualified teacher and qualified SENCo who has worked in a wide variety of educational settings, both mainstream and specialist, in all key stages.

Charlotte has a first-class BA (Hons) in Education Studies, Qualified Teacher Status and a Postgraduate Certificate in Special Educational Needs Co-ordination and has gained the National Award for SEN Co-ordination.

Her brother, who has a diagnosis of Down’s Syndrome and autism, has been the source of her dedication to improve the lives of those people with SEND and their families.

Charlotte is a proud ADHDer and was diagnosed just before her 40th birthday.

Charlotte is passionate about providing support to children/young people, professionals and families to enable them to navigate the complicated world of SEND and to ensure that the best and most appropriate outcomes are made and met.

Charlotte is now one of the founding directors of SEND Success UK Ltd and the sister community interest company (CIC), SEND Champions CIC.

SEND Success UK Ltd and SEND Champions CIC offer high quality, bespoke support and advisory services to professionals and settings within the education, health and social care sectors to assist them to provide the best inclusive offer for those with SEND and neurodiversity. Part of this offer is providing high quality training in all things SEND and neurodiverse, as well as accredited mental health and wellbeing training.

She works alongside LAs within the UK to support and advise the early years, primary, secondary and post 16 settings within that area regarding their SEND provision and SEND funding.
She also provides coaching and mentoring to specialist teachers to improve their knowledge and skillset to enable them to provide a more appropriate and bespoke curriculum to students with brain injuries.

Charlotte provides specialist teaching to children and young people with complex SEND, such as those with brain injuries and Pathological Demand Avoidance.

Charlotte is the SEND Governor for a local primary school; this role includes carrying out the Headteacher mid-year review and full appraisal.

Dr. Simon Merrywest has been Executive Director for the Student Experience at The University of Manchester since 2017. His team support students through their journey from recruitment to graduation, including the extensive provision of student wellbeing and more specialist support.  They also run a large residential and sport portfolio and operate four overseas centres. He is also co-sponsor of the University’s ambitious residential redevelopment programme. Simon’s previous roles include Director of Faculty Operations for the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health.

Simon is the co-chair of the Greater Manchester Student Mental Health Service Board. He co-edited and co-authored the UUK, PAPYRUS and Samaritans HE Postvention Guidance to guide HE senior leaders to respond sensitively and quickly after an unexpected student death as well as further guidance on the prevention of suicide and self-harm in higher education: Collective responsibility, collective action to prevent student suicide.

Dr Angela Evans is passionate about helping complex, traumatised, neurodiverse children and those who work with them. She advises and consults to organisations such as Children’s Services and Fostering Agencies, providing therapeutic input, training, supervising and consulting. Central to her focus is understanding this group of children and helping those who work with them to manage the complex task they face every day. She also works directly with families and supervises other therapists.

Dr Evans began her career as a teacher and SENDCo in primary schools. She then trained as a Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist at the Tavistock Clinic, and worked for twenty years in an NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), specialising in Looked After Children.

Dr Evans is a peer reviewer for the Journal of Child Psychotherapy. She is a published author and you can find links to her articles, books and papers on her website: angelaevans.org

Abbie is a specialist practitioner with over 16 years in education. She has spent the majority of that in curriculum and leadership roles in specialist schools, working with young people with a wide variety of disabilities and special educational needs. She is a qualified SENCO and spent 3 years working across several mainstream secondaries, leading teams of professionals in supporting the young people in their care. During this time, the decline in young people’s mental health became apparent and Abbie moved back to specialist education leadership this year. She is now Deputy Headteacher for Aurora Vincent House School; this brand new provision is a specialist autism and mental health school, aiming to build an education approach modelled on the lived experience of our families and young people. In another life, Abbie was also a storyteller and worked with narrative to explore the stories we build our lives from and the impact these stories have on how we live our lives. Abbie has run workshops for MIND, Action for Children and the International School of Storytelling, as well as numerous schools and libraries, including workshops targeted at improving mental health amongst young adults.

Ivie Okwuegbuna  is an Assistant Headteacher in an Inner City, London School.

She leads special needs, attendance, Safeguarding, early reading and the senior mental health lead of the school.

Ivie studied for her qualification of national special educational needs coordinator and masters in School improvement and School effectiveness at University College London Institute of Education.

She further attended Harvard Graduate School of Education for her Leadership and Management Certification.

Ivie is passionate about helping the less privileged and is a voice for vulnerable people. She spends her time, speaking at Conferences such as Cambridge International Education, Guaranty Trust Autism Awareness Week, parenting classes and well-being sessions.

Ivie is the author of a children’s book “Superpowers” which shows the gifts of children with special needs.

Ivie recently became a fellow of the chartered college of teaching, a coach for family wellness and a UK UN delegate.

Ivie is happily married with two adult children.

Conor Warren is an 18-year-old mental health advocate and founder of Spark UK, an award-winning organisation dedicated to supporting young people’s mental well-being. Conor’s journey began at just 14 when he founded Spark UK. Spark UK creates free lessons, resources and campaigns for thousands of young people across the country. The organisation has collaborated with celebrities including Dame Judi Dench, Dame Emma Thompson and Stephen Fry as well as established organisations such as BAFTA, Place2Be and Beyond.

Conor’s impact has reached far and wide, earning him recognition in prominent publications like Men’s Health, The Guardian, and The One Show. He’s been honoured with prestigious awards such as the Rotary Young Citizen Award and the Prince of Wales award, and even had the privilege of being named a Coronation Champion, attending the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle.

Away from Conor’s work with Spark UK. He’s a trustee, ambassador, and active member of various charitable organizations, passionately supporting causes ranging from mental health awareness to hospice care.

With over 25 years’ experience in mental health, Abigail brings a distinctive perspective shaped by her early career as a psychotherapist and Head of Counselling at Coventry University, alongside her current role at the mental health charity, The Charlie Waller Trust. As Director of Charlie Waller Workplace, she works with organisations to embed evidence-based best practice in mental health and wellbeing at work.

Abigail joined the Trust after serving as Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing at Acas, where she led the development of its internal and external approach to mental health in the workplace. She currently co-chairs the Mental Health Group for the Council for Work and Health and has previously sat as the workplace expert on the NICE guidelines for mental wellbeing at work.

She holds Master’s degrees in both Psychotherapy and Psychology. Beyond her professional work, Abigail is a school governor and mentors young people to support their transition into employment.