Keynote Speaker: Jonny Benjamin and Neil Laybourn
16 May 2017, 13:00 - 13:45
The purpose of the campaign was to raise awareness of suicide and mental illness. It went viral and received global media attention. Within just two weeks Jonny found the stranger he was looking for, Neil Laybourn. The story of the campaign was made into a documentary film that was released in May 2014.
In 2016 Jonny launched ThinkWell, an initiative to bring mental health education into schools. ThinkWell is designed to educate young people about mental health and break down the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide through school workshops. Each session is delivered by a trained workshop leader and a qualified therapist.
As well as working in schools, he also gives talks in places such as prisons and hospitals to try and inspire others who may be struggling.
His talk is about his journey to hope and recovery.
I’m really looking forward to speaking at RCN Congress about the journey Jonny and I have been on together. Nursing staff have such an important role to play in raising awareness of good mental health and supporting people with mental health issues. I hope that Congress delegates find our session thought-provoking and that they take this learning back to their jobs.
Over the past few years I’ve had the unique opportunity to raise awareness of mental ill health and the impact it has on people every day. My road to recovery has been in part, thanks to the fantastic health professionals who have supported me along the way – including nursing staff. RCN Congress is an opportunity for me to share my story directly with nursing professionals and explain how impactful their support is for people with mental health issues.
Page last updated - 10/01/2021
