Off the top of your head podcast

MHFA England Ambassador, Chloe Davies joins Simon Blake to talk about Pride, why it is still important and what allyship and advocacy mean to her. 

Prepare to be inspired as Sarah McIntosh, a dedicated Mental Health First Aider from MHFA England, joins us on "Off the Top of Your Head" podcast.

Sarah’s journey reveals the power of opening up essential conversations about mental health and the profound benefits of a holistic approach in the workplace. 

Gain insights on strategic planning, policy implementation, and continuous support to foster a mentally healthy work environment.

This episode also marks a significant milestone with the launch of the Association of Mental Health First Aiders (AOMHFA). Discover the remarkable ways in which MHFAiders are challenging mental health stigma and transforming discourse across workplaces and society. 

With over half of these dedicated individuals utilising their skills weekly, resulting in millions of supportive conversations annually, the new association aims to enhance their impact even further. 

Dive into this thriving community, celebrate their achievements, and learn how you can be a part of amplifying their vital work. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation and the opportunity to join a movement that's making a difference!

Finding moments for movement doesn’t have to be going for a 5km run – it could be putting on your favourite music and dancing around the living room, doing some standing exercises while you wait for the kettle to boil, or taking a walking meeting. 

In our final episode of ‘Off the top of your head’ podcast for Mental Health Awareness Week, Ben Davie, fitness mindset coach, talks about how we can make movement part of our everyday lives

**CONTENT WARNING: Mentions depression, anxiety, and serious mental illness**

“Whether the gym, riding a bike, dancing, yoga, or any kind of movement, however you are struggling with your mental health, it’s vitally important to keep moving.” 

Simon speaks to Hannah Moore and Shizana Arshad from Centre for Mental Health. Hannah has a long-standing history of mental health conditions and talks about the importance of getting started, finding something you love, and keeping going, even when you don’t feel like it.

MHFA England® Chair, consultant, and keynote speaker Adah Parris talks to Simon about how she explores movement for creativity and how 'shaking it out' can inspire us no matter where we are working.

Michael Gunning, former professional swimmer and Stonewall Ambassador, and Polly Shute, Co-Founder of OUTspoken Speaker Network and Out & Wild Festival, talk to Simon about encouraging movement within LGBTQIA+ communities 

Being able to boost our mental health through movement shouldn’t be a luxury. Yet many people face barriers, with approaches to movement often being restrictive and exclusionary. 

In this episode of the ‘Off the top of your head’ podcast, award-winning disabled content creator and public speaker Gem Turner talks about how we must encourage people to find moments for movement which work best for them.

**CONTENT WARNING: Mentions suicide, depression, and poor mental health**

In today’s episode, Anil Toraty, Senior Director at Visa, talks to Simon about his lived experience of suicide thoughts and how running helps him look after his mental health.

Dr Julia Jones, neuroscientist and author, joins the 'Off the top of your head' podcast to share the neuroscience behind why movement matters to our mental health and how we can 'hack' our routines to help.

** Content warning: Contains references to poor mental health, suicide, self harm, anxiety, and depression **

Simon Blake is joined by Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foudation, Mark Rowland to discuss the upcoming Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May 2024) and why movement if good for our mental health.