Top 5 mental health speakers in Australia for schools

School children have been uniquely affected by the Covid-19 crisis in Australia. With schools shut for weeks on end, homeschooling, separation from friends and an uncertain future, it’s no wonder young people need mental health support right now.

These five mental health speakers have experience connecting with young people on this challenging topic. They will leave school kids feeling empowered and understood.

 

Glenn Manton

 

Glenn Manton knows how to connect with kids. Over his 20-year career, he has specialised in working with young people, inspiring and empowering them to forge their own path in the world. A former Carlton AFL player, Glenn is also the co-founder of Whitelion, an organisation working with young people to re-integrate and start new lives after passing through the justice system.
Now a father, Glenn has watched his children find their feet in the world and struggle with the same kind of anxieties he did as a young person. He connects with children in an empathetic and meaningful way and leaves them inspired.

 

Find out more about Glenn here

 

 

 

Jelena Dokic

 

Jelena Dokic can relate more than most to the immense pressure that young people often face. Rocketing to tennis stardom in her early teens, she has experienced a lifetime’s worth of challenges already. Twice a refugee, a domestic abuse survivor and pro athlete, Jelena has lived it all.

Jelena understands the difficulty kids today might face in speaking up about their mental health. She advocates for us all to ask each other ‘are you ok?’ every single day.

 

Find out more about Jelena here

 

 

 

Mitch McPherson

 

Mitch McPherson is the founder of SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY! a successful suicide prevention organisation founded after Mitch lost his younger brother Ty to suicide in 2013.
Mitch speaks to groups of young people about his journey through loss and grief, empowering and educating an at-risk cohort.

 

Find out more about Mitch here

 

 

 

Kath Koschel

 

Kath Koschel is a survivor. She has survived two life-changing back injuries and lost two loved ones to suicide. She has defied medical prognoses by teaching herself to walk again and her story is one of heartbreak and resilience.

Kath founded The Kindness Factory in memory of her late partner, which aims to create a kinder humanity by showcasing the small acts of kindness taking place all over the world every day. Kath’s story will leave school children awed and inspired.

Find out more about Kath here

 

 

 

Tom Boyd

 

Tom Boyd shocked fans and loved ones alike when he walked away from a $2 million AFL contract with the Western Bulldogs. His mental health struggles led to his early retirement from the sport he loved.

As a well-recognised role model, Tom connects easily with school kids not just as a motivational speaker, but also as a young person himself. He has insight into the struggles and experiences faced by school-aged children today.

Find out more about Tom here

 

 

These speakers understand what today’s young people are going through. With the unique challenges brought about by the Covid-19 crisis coupled with the common anxieties faced by school-aged kids, many have found it difficult to cope. These speakers will inspire school kids everywhere and encourage them to find their inner resilience.

Browse all our Mental Health speakers here