Off the top of your head podcast

MHFA England Ambassador, Chloe Davies joins Simon Blake to talk about Pride, why it is still important and what allyship and advocacy mean to her. 

Prepare to be inspired as Sarah McIntosh, a dedicated Mental Health First Aider from MHFA England, joins us on "Off the Top of Your Head" podcast.Sarah’s journey reveals the power of opening up essential conversations about mental health and the profound benefits of a holistic approach in the workplace. Gain insights on strategic planning, policy implementation, and continuous support to foster a mentally healthy work environment.This episode also marks a significant milestone with the launch of the Association of Mental Health First Aiders (AOMHFA). Discover the remarkable ways in which MHFAiders are challenging mental health stigma and transforming discourse across workplaces and society. With over half of these dedicated individuals utilising their skills weekly, resulting in millions of supportive conversations annually, the new association aims to enhance their impact even further. Dive into this thriving community, celebrate their achievements, and learn how you can be a part of amplifying their vital work. Don&apost miss out on this enlightening conversation and the opportunity to join a movement that&aposs making a difference!

Finding moments for movement doesn’t have to be going for a 5km run – it could be putting on your favourite music and dancing around the living room, doing some standing exercises while you wait for the kettle to boil, or taking a walking meeting. In our final episode of ‘Off the top of your head’ podcast for Mental Health Awareness Week, Ben Davie, fitness mindset coach, talks about how we can make movement part of our everyday lives

**CONTENT WARNING: Mentions depression, anxiety, and serious mental illness**“Whether the gym, riding a bike, dancing, yoga, or any kind of movement, however you are struggling with your mental health, it’s vitally important to keep moving.” Simon speaks to Hannah Moore and Shizana Arshad from Centre for Mental Health. Hannah has a long-standing history of mental health conditions and talks about the importance of getting started, finding something you love, and keeping going, even when you don’t feel like it.

MHFA England® Chair, consultant, and keynote speaker Adah Parris talks to Simon about how she explores movement for creativity and how &aposshaking it out&apos can inspire us no matter where we are working.

Michael Gunning, former professional swimmer and Stonewall Ambassador, and Polly Shute, Co-Founder of OUTspoken Speaker Network and Out & Wild Festival, talk to Simon about encouraging movement within LGBTQIA+ communities 

Being able to boost our mental health through movement shouldn’t be a luxury. Yet many people face barriers, with approaches to movement often being restrictive and exclusionary. In this episode of the ‘Off the top of your head’ podcast, award-winning disabled content creator and public speaker Gem Turner talks about how we must encourage people to find moments for movement which work best for them.

**CONTENT WARNING: Mentions suicide, depression, and poor mental health**In today’s episode, Anil Toraty, Senior Director at Visa, talks to Simon about his lived experience of suicide thoughts and how running helps him look after his mental health.

Dr Julia Jones, neuroscientist and author, joins the &aposOff the top of your head&apos podcast to share the neuroscience behind why movement matters to our mental health and how we can &aposhack&apos our routines to help.

** Content warning: Contains references to poor mental health, suicide, self harm, anxiety, and depression **Simon Blake is joined by Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foudation, Mark Rowland to discuss the upcoming Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May 2024) and why movement if good for our mental health. 

This series we&aposre looking look at a new campaign by MHFA England; My Whole Self. To create mentally healthy workplaces, people need to feel safe to be their ‘whole self’ at work. So how can we create workforces, wherever that may be, where everyone has the freedom to do this? To find out, Simon has gathered leaders from across the worlds of business, sport, and more...Our final guest of the series is Linda Aiello, Executive Vice President, Employee Success Business Partner at Salesforce. Tech giant Salesforce has regularly appeared in international best places to work lists, and Linda has been at the heart of ensuring customer and employee satisfaction. She joined Simon over a video call to discuss:The importance of trust and authenticity in the workplace, particularly in the current climate, to create psychological safetyWhy Salesforce have encouraged a remote working culture for years and the best ways to do itThe power of data and the ability to use it to improve workplace wellbeing, diversity and inclusionZoom calls, the new normal, and managing your mental health during lockdownWe also learned a new Hawaiian word, &aposOhana&apos and the fact that Linda has lived in seven countries in her lifetime! We hope you&aposve enjoyed this series and look forward to bringing you another one some time soon.As always, we&aposd love to know what you think. If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon&apost forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast and check out all the My Whole Self fun on our website.More on Linda: europe.businesschief.com/leadership/2848/&aposSupporting employees&apos mental health&apos: peoplemanagement.co.uk/voices/comment/supporting-employees-mental-healthMore on Simon: twitter.com/SimonablakeSimon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and  society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog.More on #JACPodcast:MHFA England: mhfaengland.orgEmail: media@mhfaengland.orgMore on #MyWholeSelf: mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self/

This series we&aposre looking look at a new campaign by MHFA England; My Whole Self. To create mentally healthy workplaces, people need to feel safe to be their ‘whole self’ at work. So how can we create workforces, wherever that may be, where everyone has the freedom to do this? To find out, Simon has gathered leaders from across the worlds of business, sport, and more...Our special guest this week is Manager of Oxford United F.C. Karl Robinson. In 2010, Karl became the youngest manager in the Football League aged just 29. After ten years in the business and a growing reputation for developing talented young footballers, Karl has a vision for football to drive and support the mental health agenda across the country. In their fascinating conversation Simon and Karl discussed: The pioneering approach Karl and Oxford United have taken to mental health and wellbeing including mental health first aidA message Karl received from a fan which he will remember for the rest of his lifeWhy being his authentic self rather than &aposplaying the role&apos of a manager has made Karl better at this jobThe key difference between &aposbanter&apos and abuse, and how Karl manages his own mental healthAnd much more. We really hope you enjoy this episode. Karl&aposs passion to make a difference is clear to see and we wish him and the club all the best for their promotion push should the season get finished.As always, we&aposd love to know what you think. If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon&apost forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast and check out all the My Whole Self fun on our website.More on Karl and Oxford United: telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/09/25/exclusive-karl-robinson-interview-toppling-man-utd-oxfords-ambition/&aposOxford United’s unique psychotherapy project with Gary Bloom is winning hearts and minds&apos:  oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/18098433Sky Sports - &aposHow Oxford United took a lead on mental health&apos: skysports.com/football/news/11675/11960047More on Simon: twitter.com/SimonablakeSimon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and  society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog.More on #JACPodcast:MHFA England: mhfaengland.orgEmail: media@mhfaengland.orgMore on #MyWholeSelf: mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self/

Simon Blake OBE returns for a second series of Just About Coping.This series we&aposre looking look at a new campaign by MHFA England; My Whole Self. To create mentally healthy workplaces, people need to feel safe to be their ‘whole self’ at work. So how can we create workforces, wherever that may be, where everyone has the freedom to do this? To find out, Simon has gathered leaders from across the worlds of business, sport, and more...This week&aposs guest is Mike Cherry OBE, who is Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The FSB is a membership organisation which supports, connects and campaigns for the rights of small businesses, their owners, and the self-employed.  Mike is fiercely passionate about protecting SMEs and the self-employed, a community which many of our Instructor Members will be part of. Speaking in February, Simon and Mike chatted about: The crucial role small businesses and the self-employed play in our economy The impact that being a small business owner can have on our mental health and wellbeing, both positive and negativeMike’s own experience of mental ill health and the effects on small businesses within his family The FSB have since also published a number of materials to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic in a number of ways, which we thoroughly recommend you check out if you are part of an SME or self-employed.As always, we&aposd love to know what you think. If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon&apost forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast and check out all the My Whole Self fun on our website.More on Mike and the FSB: fsb.org.uk/campaign/it-s-okay-to-talk-about-mental-healthCoronavirus advice and guidance for small businesses and the self-employed: fsb.org.uk/campaign/covid19FSB Care: fsb.org.uk/join-us/membership/fsb-careMore on Simon: twitter.com/SimonablakeSimon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and  society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog.More on #JACPodcast:MHFA England: mhfaengland.orgEmail: media@mhfaengland.orgMore on #MyWholeSelf: mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self/

Simon Blake OBE returns for a second series of Just About Coping.This series we&aposre looking look at a new campaign by MHFA England; My Whole Self. To create mentally healthy workplaces, people need to feel safe to be their ‘whole self’ at work. So how can we create workforces, wherever that may be, where everyone has the freedom to do this? To find out, Simon has gathered leaders from across the worlds of business, sport, and more...This week&aposs guest is workplace culture strategist Adah Parris. Adah describes herself as a futurist, storyteller and artist. Having worked with the likes of Google, the EU Council and the BFI to transform their workplace culture, she was a perfect guest to explore the themes of bringing your whole self to work. Simon and Adah chatted about;Being human and the idea of &aposhuman blockchains&aposShifting personas depending on the context you are inApplying the ten principles of Burning Man to everyday lifeBurnouts - how to see them coming and stop yourself running out of steamAnd much, much more!As always, we&aposd love to know what you think. If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon&apost forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast and check out all the My Whole Self fun on our website.More on Adah: adahparris.com/the-four-freedomsThe ten principles of Burning Man: burningman.org/culture/philosophical-center/10-principlesMore on Simon: twitter.com/SimonablakeSimon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and  society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog.More on #JACPodcast:MHFA England: mhfaengland.orgEmail: media@mhfaengland.orgMore on #MyWholeSelf: mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self/

Simon Blake OBE returns for a second series of Just About Coping.This series we&aposre looking look at a new campaign by MHFA England; My Whole Self. To create mentally healthy workplaces, people need to feel safe to be their ‘whole self’ at work. So how can we create workforces, wherever that may be, where everyone has the freedom to do this? To find out, Simon has gathered leaders from across the worlds of business, sport, and more...Today we hear from Nat Kilsby, a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs with years of experience in financial engineering and technology. Nat is also gender-fluid, meaning sometimes they present male and sometimes they present female. After hearing Nat&aposs moving story at our My Whole Self event at the House of Lords back in February, we had to get them on the podcast to hear more.Simon and Nat chatted about;Complex gender identity and the relationship with wellbeingFeelings, and learning that they are not good or bad, they just areTreating life as an experiment and how Nat helps empower people at work by embracing fluidity The importance of pronouns and why Nat uses they, them and theirsNat embodies the essence of bringing your whole self to work and it was fascinating to hear how intrinsically their identity, performance at work, and happiness were linked.As always, we&aposd love to know what you think. If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon&apost forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast and check out all the My Whole Self fun on our website.More on Nat: goldmansachs.com/careers/blog/posts/letter-to-my-younger-self-nat-kilsbyMore on Simon: twitter.com/SimonablakeSimon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and  society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog.More on #JACPodcast:MHFA England: mhfaengland.orgEmail: media@mhfaengland.orgMore on #MyWholeSelf: mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self/

Simon Blake OBE returns for a second series of Just About Coping. This series we&aposre looking look at a new campaign by MHFA England; My Whole Self. To create mentally healthy workplaces, people need to feel safe to be their ‘whole self’ at work. So how can we create workforces, wherever that may be, where everyone has the freedom to do this? To find out, Simon has gathered leaders from across the worlds of business, sport, and more...Our first guest is Dara Nasr. Dara is the Managing Director of Twitter UK, where he has been since 2012. With approximately 200 staff, Twitter UK is the only office outside of the US with multiple disciplines including Engineering, Sales, Partnerships, Comms & Marketing. Before that he was at Google, Eurosport, and Flextech TV.Social media was a theme throughout the first series, so Dara was the perfect person to chat with to kick off the second series. Among many things, Simon and Dara spoke about:Why happy workplaces make the best workplaces and the family feel at TwitterHow to navigate through difficult times as a team and the power of authentic leadershipWhether it&aposs best to have a &aposwork&apos social media profile, or notThe importance of respecting diversity, differing opinions and boundariesPranking your children and Dara&aposs dog Dave who is by all accounts a &aposgood lad&aposWe hope you enjoy the news series and can celebrate My Whole Self Day (18 March) with us!As always, we&aposd love to know what you think. If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon&apost forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast and check out all the My Whole Self fun on our website.More on Dara: twitter.com/daranasrDara&aposs work with the Media Trust: mediatrust.org/about-us/impact-stories/what-happened-when-dara-met-andre/More on Simon: twitter.com/SimonablakeSimon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and  society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog.More on #JACPodcast:MHFA England: mhfaengland.orgEmail: media@mhfaengland.orgMore on #MyWholeSelf: mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self/

Simon Blake OBE returns for a second series of Just About Coping with more discussion of self-care, workplace wellbeing, and the future of mental health.This series will look at a new campaign by MHFA England; My Whole Self. To create mentally healthy workplaces, people need to feel safe to be their ‘whole self’ at work. When people can be their whole self, they are empowered to think bigger, bolder, and work more effectively together, whether in person or virtually.So how can we create workplaces where everyone has the freedom to do this? And what&aposs the impact on our mental health when we are able to be authentic? Simon has gathered leaders from across the worlds of business, sport, and more, to try and answer these questions.The new series launches on Wednesday 18 March with Managing Director of Twitter UK, Dara Nasr. Wherever you are working, you can also join us in celebrating My Whole Self Day. Find out more about the campaign here: mhfaengland.org/my-whole-selfHappy listening, and thanks for coping with us!More on Simon: twitter.com/SimonablakeSimon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and  society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog.mhfaengland.org

For the final episode of the series Simon caught up with long-time friend, activist, writer and the &aposQueen of Kindness&apos Phyll Opoku-Gyimah.Phyll, who you may know as Lady Phyll, is the Co-Founder and Director of UK Black Pride, and currently the Executive Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, an international charity working to uphold and advance human rights for LGBT+ people. Before that, Phyll spent years working for trade unions fighting for equality in the workplace and beyond.Phyll and Simon had an honest and emotional chat about:The power of kindness and how to really listen to someoneWhy Phyll no longer uses the word &aposnormalise&aposThe journey of UK Black Pride from 200 to 10,000 attendeesWhy equality and mental health and wellbeing go hand in handThe best advice Phyll has ever been givenMake sure to stay right to the end for a bonus story about the time Phyll met Whoopi Goldberg!We&aposd love to know what you think! If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon&apost forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast!More on Lady Phyll: twitter.com/MsLadyPhyllUK Black Pride: ukblackpride.org.ukThe Kaleidoscope Trust: kaleidoscopetrust.comMore on Simon: twitter.com/SimonablakeSimon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and  society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog.More on #JACPodcast:MHFA England: mhfaengland.orgEmail: media@mhfaengland.org

Tony Piper is a stress, burnout and leadership coach. After 27 years in the IT profession, Tony shared with Simon his expertise on stress in the workplace, why it happens, and looked at this year&aposs WHO definition of burnout as an &aposoccupational phenomenon&apos.Simon and Tony touched on:What burnout physically looks like, and how to spot it in yourselfThe importance of line managers in preventing burnoutWhy Chief Executives are not superheroes and the power of vulnerable leadershipTony only shared his top tips on the best ways to properly switch off and some of his best self-care tips.We&aposd love to know what you think! If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon&apost forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast!More on Tony: twitter.com/tonypiperTony&aposs coaching: tonypiper.coach/burnoutWHO definition on burnout: who.int/mental_health/evidence/burn-out/enArticle referenced by Simon: hrreview.co.uk/analysis/simon-blake-tackling-summer-burnout-in-the-workplace/119260More on Simon: twitter.com/SimonablakeSimon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and  society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog.More on #JACPodcast:MHFA England: mhfaengland.orgEmail: media@mhfaengland.org

Simon had the pleasure of sitting down with international mental health campaigner and pioneer Poppy Jaman OBE.Poppy is the CEO of the City Mental Health Alliance (CMHA), a membership organisation that works with large city firms to transform their workplaces into mentally healthy environments. She also just happens to be a former CEO and Co-Founder of Mental Health First Aid England!Poppy talked Simon through:Her journey into the mental health sector The birth of MHFA as a concept and bringing the programme to EnglandThe challenges she faced growing a company as a British-Bangladeshi womanGoing global with CMHA and the international mental health communityThey also touched on Poppy&aposs extensive sari collection, her hopes for the future, and eradicating the shame of mental illness.We&aposd love to know what you think! If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon&apost forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast!More on Poppy: poppyjaman.orgCity Mental Health Alliance: citymha.org.ukPoppy speaks to Bryony Gordon: telegraph.co.uk/women/life/poppy-jaman-racism-caught-cultures-triggered-depression-bryonyMore on Simon: twitter.com/SimonablakeSimon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and  society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog.More on #JACPodcast:MHFA England: mhfaengland.orgEmail: media@mhfaengland.org

This week, Simon caught up with Ryan Atkin, who is currently the only openly gay professional referee in English men&aposs football. After coming out in 2017, Ryan has become an LGBT+ in sport advocate, Stonewall Sports Champion, and diversity and inclusion campaigner.Simon and Ryan&aposs wide-ranging conversation touched on a number of topics, including:The progress being made in sport around mental health awarenessThe pressures of being a football official and dealing with abuse online and in real lifeRyan&aposs day job and how diversity and inclusion in the workplace can improve creative thinking and find better solutionsHow coming out as gay allowed him to bring his &aposwhole self&apos to work and made him a better refereeThey also touched on Christmas, the best song to see in the new year, and how having things to look forward to can make all the difference.We&aposd love to know what you think! If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon&apost forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast!More on Ryan: twitter.com/ryantatkinRyan&aposs article coming out in 2017: skysports.com/football/news/11095/10946185/referee-ryan-atkin-on-being-gay-in-football-rainbow-laces-and-lgbt-inclusion&aposBeing gay has made me a better referee&apos: telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/04/22/ryan-atkin-gay-has-made-better-referee/More on Simon: twitter.com/SimonablakeSimon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and  society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog.More on #JACPodcast:MHFA England: mhfaengland.orgEmail: media@mhfaengland.org

**Content Warning**This episode contains discussion of a suicidal crisis and suicidal ideation.Jonny Benjamin MBE is a writer, filmmaker, public speaker, and award-winning mental health campaigner. Since starting his YouTube channel in 2010, Jonny has gone on to make documentaries for BBC Three and Channel 4 and write a book about the time he was prevented from attempting suicide in 2008 by a passerby. He is passionate about improving mental health education and this year launched a charity called Beyond Shame, Beyond Stigma with Neil Laybourn, the man who saved his life on Waterloo Bridge, which delivers talks and workshops to young people and their families and educators.Among many things Jonny and Simon discussed: Stigma, and the impact of growing up a gay man with a mental illness in a Jewish communityWhy we need to listen to young people about mental health, our attitudes to social media, and the need to connect with each other moreThe challenges of busy modern life and how to properly slow downHow giving each other hope can save livesJonny&aposs new book, The Book of Hope, will be published in 2020.We&aposd love to know what you think! If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon&apost forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast!More on Jonny:Beyond Shame, Beyond Stigma: beyondshamebeyondstigma.co.ukThe Stranger on the Bridge: amazon.co.uk/Stranger-Bridge-Journey-Despair-Hope/dp/1509846425Jonny&aposs YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/johnjusthumanMore on Simon: twitter.com/SimonablakeSimon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and  society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog.More on #JACPodcast:MHFA England: mhfaengland.orgEmail: media@mhfaengland.org

NHS doctor, TV presenter, and star of Strictly Come Dancing Dr Ranj Singh joined Simon for a catch-up in this week&aposs Just About Coping. As well as still being a practicing clinician, you&aposll know Ranj from ITV&aposs This Morning, where he is the resident health expert, and for his new best-selling book Save Money, Lose Weight.Ranj had a huge amount to say on the subject of mental health, both from his professional and personal experience. Simon and Ranj chatted about the importance of prevention and teaching young people about mental health, the way forward for a mentally healthier society, and how Ranj coped with the highs, lows, and intensity of competing on Strictly Come Dancing.We&aposd love to know what you think so far! If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon&apost forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast!More on Ranj:Save Money, Lose Weight: amazon.co.uk/Save-Money-Lose-Weight-Waistline/This Morning: itv.com/thismorning/healthMore on Simon: twitter.com/SimonablakeSimon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and  society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog.More on #JACPodcast:MHFA England: mhfaengland.orgEmail: media@mhfaengland.org

Alex Leon is a BAME, LGBT+ and mental health awareness activist. When he&aposs not working for the Kaleidoscope Trust, a leading charity working to uphold equality in human right for LGBT+ people across the world, he&aposs also a journalist, campaigner, and YouTuber.As well as talking about Alex&aposs work, Simon and Alex discussed their experiences of being gay, racism, intersectionality and the effects navigating these things can have on mental health and wellbeing. They also chatted about the power of kindness, learning to love yourself, and why we&aposve had enough music about heartbreak.We&aposd love to know what you think so far! If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon&apost forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast!More on Alex:Follow Alex on Twitter (@alexand_erleon) and Instagram (@alexand_erleon)Alex&aposs vlog on the Manchester Pride Flag: youtube.com/watch?v=tK-A6Blo6qUThe Kaleidoscope Trust: kaleidoscopetrust.comMore on Simon: twitter.com/SimonablakeSimon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and  society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog.More on #JACPodcast:Full transcript: mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/just-about-coping/alexander-leonMHFA England: mhfaengland.orgEmail: media@mhfaengland.org

Simon&aposs first guest is writer, performer, comedian, and the &aposposter girl for mental health&apos Ruby Wax OBE. Since her groundbreaking show &aposLosing It&apos in 2011 which focused on her mental health issues, Ruby has written three best-selling books on mental health and wellbeing. She holds a master&aposs degree in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy from Oxford University and is currently touring the country with her latest show How to be Human.In the comfort of her beautiful home in West London, Simon and Ruby discussed her interesting career, the pros and cons of social media, how Ruby manages her own mental health, and the power of comedy to discuss serious issues. A fascinating and entertaining start to our Just About Coping journey.We&aposd love to know what you think so far! If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon&apost forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast!More on Ruby:Frazzled Cafe: frazzledcafe.orgHow to Be Human: The Manual: amazon.co.uk/How-Be-Human-Ruby-Wax/dp/024129472XRuby&aposs Tour: rubywax.net/tourMore on Simon: twitter.com/SimonablakeSimon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and  society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog.More on #JACPodcastFull transcript: mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/just-about-coping/ruby-waxMHFA England: mhfaengland.orgEmail: media@mhfaengland.org

Introducing Just About Coping, a new podcast looking at the future of mental health and wellbeing. Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England Simon Blake OBE will be joined by a series of fantastic guests to try and answer the question; how can we create a world where everyone is coping?Featuring Ruby Wax OBE, Dr Ranj Singh, Jonny Benjamin, and many more, join us on our journey as we imagine what a mentally healthy world might look like.More on Simon: twitter.com/SimonablakeSimon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and  society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog.mhfaengland.org