Jonny Benjamin and Neil Laybourn are inspirational speakers who have become widely recognised for their work as mental health campaigners. Brought together by a life-changing event, the pair now dedicate their time to breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness, encouraging open conversations, and promoting the importance of kindness. Their story resonates with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, making them powerful voices in the ongoing effort to raise awareness and understanding of mental health.
Jonny’s journey began with his personal struggles. Living with Schizoaffective Disorder, a combination of Schizophrenia and Bipolar, he spent many difficult years in and out of the hospital and often experienced suicidal thoughts. In a moment of crisis on Waterloo Bridge in London, Jonny was saved from taking his own life by Neil, then a stranger. Years later, Jonny launched the #FindMike campaign in an attempt to track down the man who had stopped that day to help. The campaign became a global success, viewed over a million times and supported by celebrities. When Jonny and Neil were reunited just weeks later, it marked the start of a partnership that has gone on to inspire countless others.
Together, they have created a strong presence in the mental health sector. Their story was turned into a Channel 4 documentary, 'Stranger on the Bridge', and Jonny shared his journey further through his book 'The Stranger on the Bridge: My Journey from Despair to Hope' and 'The Book of Hope'. Beyond their public speaking, they have established initiatives to support others, including founding the charity Beyond, focused on children’s mental health, and ThinkWell, an educational programme for young people. Neil also founded the This Can Happen conference, which helps employers address mental health challenges in the workplace. Both serve as Ambassadors for Mental Health UK, further amplifying their impact.
As speakers, Jonny and Neil are highly sought after for their authenticity, compassion, and ability to connect with audiences. Their talks are not only moving but also deeply practical, offering genuine insight into how people and organisations can support mental health. By combining Jonny’s lived experience with Neil’s perspective as the person who intervened, they bring a unique and powerful dynamic to their presentations. They highlight the significance of empathy and human connection, showing that even small acts of kindness can save lives. It is this message of hope and resilience that makes them exceptional motivational speakers and influential voices in the movement for better mental health.
