In recent years, a reported 970 million people globally were living with a mental health issue - with anxiety and depression the most common. Such a statistic is a powerful reminder that mental health challenges are not only widespread but deeply human. 

Why Is It Important to Promote Mental & Physical Wellbeing?

Promoting mental and physical wellbeing is essential, as around 1 in 4 adults in England face a mental health issue each year. Women are disproportionately affected, with 20.7% experiencing common disorders, rising to 28.2% among young women aged 16 to 24. Black or Black British individuals also face significantly higher rates of psychotic disorders. In 2023, 6,069 suicides were registered in England and Wales, a staggering 11.4 deaths per 100,000 people - the highest since 1999. These figures highlight the urgent need for inclusive support systems, awareness campaigns and accessible mental health services to protect vulnerable groups and foster a healthier, more resilient society.

Source: Priory

Who are the Top Speakers to Improve Mental Health, Diet & Physical Health?

Following the collection of verified data from over 349 health-themed events, between 2022 and February 2025, Champions Speakers' Director Jack Hayes has shared his vetted selection of the top speakers improving mental health, diet and physical wellbeing, below:

1. Dr Ranj Singh

Star of This Morning and expert healthcare speaker, Dr Ranj Singh is an instantly recognisable authority on health and medicine. He appeals to audiences of all ages, as Ranj is the creator of Get Well Soon, a children's show depicting health facts through catchy songs. As a speaker, the NHS doctor enlightens event guests with his knowledge of health, leaving them with a better understanding of their own bodies.

What Can Dr Ranj Offer at 2026 Conferences?:

The Importance of Mental & Physical Wellbeing - As a beloved TV doctor and paediatric specialist, Dr Ranj Singh offers engaging talks on health, wellbeing and LGBTQ+ issues, tailored to all ages. From hosting awards to delivering informative keynotes, his charisma and credibility shine through. With a background in NHS care and kids’ TV, Ranj combines education and entertainment to leave audiences informed and inspired on why mental and physical wellbeing really matters.

2. Samantha Clarke

If you want to book a mental health speaker, look no further than Samantha Clarke. As a happiness and change consultant, she helps corporations to improve their workplace wellness, and therefore, their profitability and productivity. Having worked with such industry giants as Virgin Media and Elle Magazine, she is a confident, insightful addition to events.

What Can Samantha Offer 2026 Events?

Happiness in the Workplace – With stress levels in the workplace at an all-time high, Samantha is the perfect speaker for corporate events. Her knowledge of change management and mental wellbeing serves to support audiences through tough times, while her techniques for workplace mental health support will benefit business leaders in 2026.

3. Ruby Wax

Comedian turned mental health advocate; Ruby Wax uses her honest depiction of depression to dismantle the mental health stigma. She has been awarded an OBE for her outstanding work, which included earning a Master’s Degree in Cognitive Therapy and applying her knowledge to influential conferences. From Parliament to TEDGlobal, Ruby has impacted audiences from all walks of life.

What Can Ruby Offer at 2026 Events?

And Now for The Good News – As described in Ruby’s new book, 'And Now for The Good News...: The Much-Needed Tonic for Our Frazzled World', her 2026 speeches will discuss the power of positivity. She can present the journey of self-help to the empire that it is today, and how practising a little gratitude can go a long way.

4. Dr Chris van Tulleken

Television star and professional doctor, Dr Chris van Tulleken combines his popularity with his leading knowledge of diet and healthcare, to leave a resounding impact on audiences. His on-screen appearances include The Doctor Who Gave Up Drugs, where Chris explored alternatives to prescriptions. His public speeches address the importance of a healthy lifestyle when tackling infectious diseases.

What Can Dr Chris Offer at 2026 Conferences?

Frontline of Covid-19 Pandemic – During the pandemic, Dr Chris faced everyone’s worst fears – his brother, Dr Xand, contracted Covid-19. He watched his brother’s heart be restarted with bated breath, a moving watch for viewers of 'Surviving the Virus: My Brother & Me'. Dr Chris’ first-hand account will touch the hearts of 2026 audiences.

5. Professor Robert Winston

Professor Robert Winston is a BAFTA-winning television presenter and one of the best healthcare speakers on the circuit. The doctor, scientist and politician has released several documentaries, ranging from fertility to technology, a testament to his diverse knowledge. Audiences of Robert's speeches come away with a new perspective on healthcare.

What Can Robert Winston Offer at 2026 Conferences?

The Future of Healthcare – Professor Winston is regularly booked to offer a glimpse into the future of healthcare. With experience in technology and science, he leaves audiences with a better understanding of how to take care of themselves, and their friends and family. 

6. Dr Christian Jessen

Star of Supersize vs Superskinny and Embarrassing Bodies, Dr Christian Jessen is a popular television presenter. With a medical degree in sexual health, he can tackle occasionally embarrassing topics with the eloquence and calm nature that only a doctor is capable of. In recent years, the famous mental health speaker has also become a respected authority on eating disorders.

What Can Dr Christian Offer at 2026 Events?

Forgotten Disorders – Having openly struggled with muscle dysmorphia and eating disorders, Dr Christian is the perfect speaker to discuss the often overlooked illnesses that impact people's lives. From cancer treatments to mental health support, he can comment on a wealth of different healthcare issues at 2026 events.

7. Ella Mills

Deliciously Ella is a food blogger and social media sensation, whose tailored recipes have improved not just her illness, Postural Tachycardia Syndrome, but also her audience's health. Ella believes in the power of our diet, so uses her platform to promote a healthier, vegetarian lifestyle, through recipe demonstrations and inspiring speeches.

What Can Ella Offer at 2026 Conferences?

Eating Greener – As we all do our part to be more sustainable, Ella is the perfect celebrity chef to demonstrate how versatile and tasty vegetarian food truly is. Transform your everyday diet and embrace a new way of eating, with Deliciously Ella.

8. Dame Barbara Hakin

As the Deputy Chief Executive of NHS England, Dame Barbara Hakin has witnessed first-hand the importance of accessible healthcare. She is highly regarded for her incredible insight into modern medicine, as well as her authority on technological innovation. Audiences of her after dinner speeches thoroughly enjoy Barbara's story, from the perspective of an NHS insider.

What Can Barbara Offer at 2026 Events?

Impact on the NHS – Following her role with the NHS, Dame Barbara is the ideal speaker to talk on the inner workings of the globally recognised institution. From its sustainability to how we can better support the NHS, her 2026 appearances will take audiences behind the curtain.

9. Dr Alex George

Aside from his Love Island fame, Dr Alex George is also a hard-working NHS doctor. With a medical degree from Exeter University, he can appear at events as a representative of our health service. Alex uses his influential social media platform to promote positive health practices, for example, the importance of a high-quality first aid kit. When appearing at events, he can expand on such tips and tricks.

What Can Dr Alex Offer at 2026 Events?

Mental Health & Gen Z – Dr Alex can discuss wellbeing in young people following his appointment of Youth Mental Health Ambassador. He is passionate about supporting the next generation as they navigate the twists and turns of life, making Alex perfect for businesses wanting to better assist their employees.

10. Dr Brené Brown

Dr Brené Brown, the New York Times bestselling author, holds the key to emotional wellbeing. She is a popular speaker, whose international fame led her to become the first speaker to feature on Netflix. For corporate audiences, Brené can reignite a workplace by improving the employees' self-management, focus and emotional health.

What Can Brené Offer at 2026 Conferences?

Coping with Anxiety & Grief  – Specialising in emotional health, Brené will focus on the damaging effects of trauma on people’s mental wellbeing. Grief is a fact of life, so she will discuss the ways that people cope with the experience. For Brené, emotional vulnerability is not a weakness.

11. Katie Piper

Embodying resilience, Katie Piper tours the speaking circuit to promote her message of body positivity and mental health. After being the victim of an acid attack, she is now using her traumatic experience to inspire audiences, encouraging them to step outside of their comfort zones and embrace opportunities. A speaker like Katie resonates with event guests of all backgrounds.

What Can Katie Offer at 2026 Events?

Positivity in Times of Crisis – Recently, Katie supplied methods for maintaining mental and physical health during times of crisis, a topic that will extend into 2026. Having experienced great pain during her life, as the victim of an acid attack, she knows more than most about the importance of remaining positive.

Hire a Keynote Speaker to Promote Mental & Physical Wellbeing Today!

From nutrition to health practices and mental health support, the wide range of specialist speakers available means that there is someone for every event. These personable figures have dedicated their careers to improving the lives of others, a driving motivation that inspires audiences at events.

To hire one of our expert mental health & wellbeing speakers for your event, contact Champions Speakers today! Complete our online booking form or call a booking agent directly on 0207 1010 553.

This exclusive article on the top mental health, diet and physical wellbeing speakers was authored by Jack Hayes, using verified data from over 349 health-themed events, between 2022 and February 2025, and research collected from Priory and the United Nations.

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