Book a Lived Experience Guest Speaker

 

Bring the power of lived experience stories from real people who live and work in our community to your workplace, organisation or event. We have a number of trained lived experience guest speakers who will engage and motivate your teams.

 

COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS WITH ZOEY TAYLOR

Expert & Lived Experience in:

Fibro fun - learning to live with chronic pain (Fibromyalgia)

Women's health - help understanding our monthly flow (tips and tricks to easing the pressure of being an emotional mess)

Toolbox tattles - storytelling of the tradie life as a woman (the shit I wish I could unsee)

Welcome to parenthood - for parents returning to work and attempting to navigate             family and work balance.

Snapshot about Zoey:

Zoey is a qualified electrical tradie with experience as an Electrical Design Draftsperson.

When facing mental health concerns, Zoey believes it all starts with a "Courageous Conversation".

Zoey will share her story and provide tips for Courageous Conversation starters, by sharing her experience so others can feel comfortable sharing their experiences too.  Zoey has had numerous events that challenged her during her personal and work life and is happy to share her learnings in recovery after burnout, grief, recognising types of stress, self-sabotage, bankruptcy, navigating her mental health plan, and knowing when to ask for help.

 

Contact Us to book a speaking engagement.

 

 

I'M NOT CRAZY, JUST MISUNDERSTOOD WITH VINCE HOWARD (CHIEF BI-POLAR BEAR)

Expert & Lived Experience in:

Bipolar mental health

Navigating the emotional wilderness

Mental health inpatient experiences

Losing a loved one to cancer

Writer / Publisher, Songwriter & performer, Professional woodcutter

 

Snapshot about Vince:

Vince's mental health took a pivotal turn at 38 when he discovered he had a mental health diagnosis.  His mission now is to reach others who may be experiencing similar struggles, encouraging them to seek support early to avoid the challenges he faced.  Vince is passionate about sharing alternative therapies and practices that go beyond medication, offering a broader view of available mental health support.

He speaks to the importance of breaking the cycle of depression by engaging in simple joys, whether it's a favourite meal, a walk, music or a movie. Through sharing his personal story, Vince reminds others they don't have to face their mental health journey alone and that help and happiness are within reach.

Known as Chief Bipolar Bear, Vince shares his journey through what he calls "The Emotional Wilderness" of depression and bipolar disorder.  With a passion for breaking mental health stigma, he has written a powerful book titled The Emotional Wilderness and recorded an album of original songs that narrate his life's struggles and triumphs.

Vince's message is clear - "Break the cycle of depression and resist going through the motions where every day feels the same."  He emphasises that mental illness is not a life sentence and encourages others to seek paths that bring joy and fulfillment.

 

Contact Us to book a speaking engagement.

 

CHALLENGING STIGMAS & STEREOTYPES -   RESHAPING HOW WE VIEW AND SUPPORT THOSE WHO ARE VULNERABLE WITH MORGAN TAYLOR

Expert & Lived Experience in:

Lived experience mental health

Medication awareness and education

Youth engagement

Client-focused support

Self-reflection and perspective

Self care, wellbeing & personal development

         Improving government mental health services

         Client /  service collaboration

         Support plans and goals

         Client-focused support & advocacy

Snapshot about Morgan:

From personal experience in facing mental health, educational and societal barriers in his youth to becoming a trending name in the Lived Experience Workforce from his range of experiences and recent collaboration with CQ Health's restructure of Rockhampton's Mental Health Services, Inpatient wards and crisis support spaces, Morgan Taylor has become one of the most sought-after voices on topics of personal develop and client/service collaboration.  Through his speeches, Morgan can assist and inspire the audience in understanding their own individuality, while also broadening perspectives on mental health and community support.

Morgan was once another person who was captive in the notorious 'loneliness epidemic' that has recently caught global communities by surprise.  Being able to overcome a mindset of hopelessness and a distant connection with his local community through the help of his close family and support services, Morgan has vowed to stablise the same ladder of support he was given, to help others escape the life of gloom and disconnect that Morgan once experienced throughout his youth and early adulthood.

Morgan's journey is one of resilience and determination.  Morgan's personal insights and professional collaborations make him a sought-after speaker and his dedication to mental health and lived experience advocacy inspires others and continues to shape impactful changes within mental health services.

 

Contact Us to book a speaking engagement.

 

 

ADVOCATE FOR HOPE, RESILIENCE & HEALING  WITH CHERRI GLIDDEN

Expert & Lived Experience in:

Overcoming childhood trauma

Resilience & healing

Women's empowerment

Mental health support

Navigating life's adversities

Building self-esteem

         Case management & mental health support

         Non profit organisations

         Health & wellness advocacy

         Educational programs

Snapshot about Cherri:

As a survivor of severe childhood trauma, financial devastation and unimaginable personal loss, Cherri shares a compelling story of resilience, faith and the ability to rebuild a life despite life's most significant challenges.  From growing up with an abusive father, to experiencing the heartbreak of bankruptcy and the devastating loss of her mother and stepfather in a tragic accident, Cherri has faced hardship that many cannot imagine.  Yet, through it all, she has appeared as a beacon of hope and strength.

Empowering you to reclaim your strength and voice, break free from the burdens of past traumas, and embark on a transformative journey of healing. With compassion and practical tools, Cherri guides you to navigate adversity, fostering resilience and hope as you rewrite your story and build a brighter future. Cherri delivers powerful messages on:

Overcoming Trauma and Abuse: Sharing personal experiences and strategies for healing from childhood trauma and abuse, she helps audiences understand the importance of boundaries, resilience, and faith.

Faith and Family Through Adversity: With over 34 years of marriage and two resilient daughters, she talks about the strength of family and the decision to love through the hardest of times.

Building a New Life After Loss: Through personal loss and grief, she speaks on how to turn pain into purpose, finding the strength to continue despite overwhelming circumstances.

Empowering Others to Heal: Drawing from her own battles, she provides practical steps for overcoming adversity, including mental health practices, physical care, and fostering supportive communities.

 

Contact Us to book a speaking engagement.

 

 

LIVING THROUGH UNCERTAINTY WITH BEC SMITH

Expert & Lived Experience in:

Lived experience of suicide and depression

Conversations for life

Seasons of change

Parenting teens

Community coaching

Raising awareness for local mental health organisations

Snapshot about Bec:

Passionate advocate on facilitating conversations for life by sharing her story of living through uncertainty after the death of her spouse by suicide in Dec 2017.

Bec knows the importance of sharing her experiences to uplift, equip, and connect with others on similar journeys, creating ripples of hope and empowerment.

• Navigating Grief and Trauma: Sharing the power of words helps others process pain, build emotional resilience, and find their voice to heal.
• Getting Comfortable with the Unfamiliar: Encourages adaptability and confidence when facing life’s inevitable changes, helping others grow beyond their comfort zones.
• Dealing with Big Emotions: Validates messy feelings, teaching healthy ways to express and manage emotions while fostering emotional intelligence.
• Embracing Fears and Growth: Inspires others to face fears and take intentional steps toward becoming their best selves, showing that growth is possible.
• Solo Parenting Through Teen Years: Offers practical advice to navigate the complexities of parenting, ensuring teens feel supported and parents feel empowered.

 

Contact Us to book a speaking engagement.