Sporting stars to speak at workplace mental fitness event

An ex-footballer and a record-breaking cyclist will discuss workplace mental fitness at a free suicide prevention event, which will take place at Derby County’s Pride Park Stadium.

Former professional footballer Clarke Carlisle and Leigh Timmis, who holds the Guinness World Record will speak at Leader Live, part of a day-long Baton of Hope event on Saturday 13 September.

The event is designed to boost mental wellbeing and highlight the tragedy of suicide on lives lost – and those left behind.

Aimed at business leaders, the event it aims to encourage open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.

Speakers will discuss how prioritising mental fitness can boost performance, innovation and overall employee wellbeing.

The event will open with a talk from former professional footballer Clarke Carlisle who has been very honest about his struggles with mental health.

The former defender and chairman of the Professional Footballers’ Association tried to take his own life five times before becoming a leading motivational speaker and mental health campaigner.

Clarke’s talk will be followed by a panel discussion with a line-up including Dr Amo Raju OBE, the celebrated former chief executive of Disability Direct, Lisa Kelly, chief operating officer of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Sarah Markham, founder of Calm in a Box and Claire Hammond, Chief Superintendent at the National College of Policing.

The panel discussion will delve into the importance of leaders developing mental fitness to build thriving workplaces.

Those attending will also be able to hear from Ben Wilson, Baton of Hope UK’s clinical director, who will have all the information on how businesses can join the Baton of Hope UK Workplace Pledge .

Claire Goring, who is bringing the Baton of Hope event to Derby this year after losing her own dad to suicide when she was just 20, said she hoped many business and organisation leaders would take the opportunity to hear more from all those talking on the day about the importance of looking after mental health.

She said: “It’s vitally important that leaders are able to look after their own mental health to create healthy workplace teams.

“Mental health should not be stigmatised, and employees should feel they are in a safe space where they can freely talk if they are feeling overwhelmed and need some support.

“I am blown away that such senior leaders in the worlds of disability rights, football, the police and the NHS are honouring us with their time at the Leader Live event.

“I hope that many business and organisation leaders are able to attend to hear what they have to say and make their own contributions.”

Dr Raju said: “I’m honoured to join this vital panel discussion on depression and mental health, especially among leaders who often bear the weight of silent struggle.

“This promises to be a profound and necessary conversation, challenging stigmas and increasing understanding.”

The event will also mark a significant moment for the Baton of Hope tour.

At approximately 3pm, the baton – which is being carried by individuals affected by suicide throughout the day – will arrive at Pride Park before continuing its journey to the next location at 3.15pm.

The Baton of Hope is a beautifully decorated object that is passed from person to person in memory of those who have died by their own hand and their families as well as raise awareness of mental health.

The Leader Live event is just one part of the day, which will feature a large family-friendly celebration focusing on mental health and wellbeing, with performances from Derby Rock Choir and many other events.

The Leader Live event runs from 12.30pm to 3.30pm and is free to attend, although booking is recommended.

To book, visit http://www.derbycountycommunitytrust.com/fundraising-and-events/events/baton-hope-workplace-wellbeing-event or http://www.batonofhopederbyderbyshire.co.uk/pridepark.