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't miss out on this enlightening conversation and the opportunity to join a movement that's 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 'shaking it out' 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 'Off the top of your head' podcast to share the neuroscience behind why movement matters to our mental health and how we can 'hack' 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're 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: We also learned a new Hawaiian word, 'Ohana' and the fact that Linda has lived in seven countries in her lifetime! We hope you've enjoyed this series and look forward to bringing you another one some time soon. As always, we'd 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't 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/ 'Supporting employees' mental health': peoplemanagement.co.uk/voices/comment/supporting-employees-mental-health More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon 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.org Email: media@mhfaengland.org More on #MyWholeSelf: mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self/

This series we're 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: And much more. We really hope you enjoy this episode. Karl's 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'd 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't 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/ 'Oxford United’s unique psychotherapy project with Gary Bloom is winning hearts and minds': oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/18098433 Sky Sports - 'How Oxford United took a lead on mental health': skysports.com/football/news/11675/11960047 More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon 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.org Email: media@mhfaengland.org More on #MyWholeSelf: mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self/

Simon Blake OBE returns for a second series of Just About Coping. This series we're 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's 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 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'd 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't 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-health Coronavirus advice and guidance for small businesses and the self-employed: fsb.org.uk/campaign/covid19 FSB Care: fsb.org.uk/join-us/membership/fsb-care More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon 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.org Email: media@mhfaengland.org More on #MyWholeSelf: mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self/

Simon Blake OBE returns for a second series of Just About Coping. This series we're 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's 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; And much, much more! As always, we'd 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't 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-freedoms The ten principles of Burning Man: burningman.org/culture/philosophical-center/10-principles More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon 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.org Email: media@mhfaengland.org More on #MyWholeSelf: mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self/

Simon Blake OBE returns for a second series of Just About Coping. This series we're 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's 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; areNat 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'd 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't 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-kilsby More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon 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.org Email: media@mhfaengland.org More on #MyWholeSelf: mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self/

Simon Blake OBE returns for a second series of Just About Coping. This series we're 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: We hope you enjoy the news series and can celebrate My Whole Self Day (18 March) with us! As always, we'd 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't 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/daranasr Dara's work with the Media Trust: mediatrust.org/about-us/impact-stories/what-happened-when-dara-met-andre/ More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon 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.org Email: media@mhfaengland.org More 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's 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-self Happy listening, and thanks for coping with us! More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon 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 'Queen of Kindness' 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: reallyMake sure to stay right to the end for a bonus story about the time Phyll met Whoopi Goldberg! We'd 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't forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast! More on Lady Phyll: twitter.com/MsLadyPhyll UK Black Pride: ukblackpride.org.uk The Kaleidoscope Trust: kaleidoscopetrust.com More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon 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.org Email: 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's WHO definition of burnout as an 'occupational phenomenon'. Simon and Tony touched on: Tony only shared his top tips on the best ways to properly switch off and some of his best self-care tips. We'd 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't forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast! More on Tony: twitter.com/tonypiper Tony's coaching: tonypiper.coach/burnout WHO definition on burnout: who.int/mental_health/evidence/burn-out/en Article referenced by Simon: hrreview.co.uk/analysis/simon-blake-tackling-summer-burnout-in-the-workplace/119260 More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon 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.org Email: 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: They also touched on Poppy's extensive sari collection, her hopes for the future, and eradicating the shame of mental illness. We'd 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't forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast! More on Poppy: poppyjaman.org City Mental Health Alliance: citymha.org.uk Poppy speaks to Bryony Gordon: telegraph.co.uk/women/life/poppy-jaman-racism-caught-cultures-triggered-depression-bryony More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon 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.org Email: media@mhfaengland.org