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.

Lived experience stories add depth and authenticity to insights and connects on a more personal level to encourage participation and enrich the learning experience at your next event or in your workplace.

Should reading these profiles or attending an event bring up any mental health concerns, please remember you are not alone, Gladstone Mindcare are ready to support you.

 

COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS WITH ZOEY TAYLOR

Expert & Lived Experience in:

Fibro fun - learning to live with chronic pain

Women's health - help understanding our monthly flow

Toolbox tattles - storytelling of the tradie life

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, 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  and recorded an album of original songs that narrate his life's struggles and triumphs.The Emotional Wilderness

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.

To book a speaking engagement, Contact Us

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.

 

IN WHOSE OPINION WITH MICHELLE PROLONGEAU - A COMPELLING, RAW AND DEEPLY MOVING MESSAGE, SIMPLE YET PROFOUND: 'THE SCARS FROM PAST TRAUMAS CAN BECOME YOUR GREATEST SOURCES OF STRENGTH'

 

  Expert & Lived Experience in:

  Burnout prevention - recognising early signs and regaining balance.

  Resilience building - turning adversity into empowerment

  Suicide prevention & mental health advocacy - breaking the silence, fostering awareness and creating safe spaces

Eating disorder awareness - providing hope and guidance to those struggling with body image and self worth

                                               Inspirational speaking - sharing her personal journey to empower others

                                               Mental health advocacy - finding selience, self worth and purpose

Snapshot about Michelle:

Michelle's lived experiences, from overcoming childhood trauma, battling burnout and the silent battles of living with an eating disorder to becoming a counsellor, personal development and mindset coach and business owner, Michelle has built a career dedicated to breaking generational cycles, advocating for self care without guilt and empowering others to realise their own inner strength.

Her lived experience of suicide, trauma and mental health struggles has fuelled her passion for ensuring no one ever feels alone.  She reinforces the importance of both Western medicine and holistic approaches to healing, providing practical strategies for self-care, self-reflection and transformation.

Michelle's ability to walk alongside others on their journey - not in front or behind - makes her authentic and relatable. Her passion for helping others unleash their inner strength and self-worth has made her a sought-after voice in mental health advocacy, reminding audiences that thriving is not just possible - it's necessary.

 

NAVIGATING NEURODIVERSITY WITH LAUREN-ADEL RITCHIE

Expert & Lived Experience in:

Personal journey - navigating autism, ADHD, Tourette's, anxiety, trauma, depression - offering a unique, authentic perspective on overcoming challenges

Advocating for accessibility - actively advocating for inclusivity and equal opportunies for individuals with disabilities in various sectors

Mental health awareness - passionate about reducing stigma and promoting mental health awareness in both professional and personal spaces

                                               Empowerment through education - educating audiences on the intersection of                                                           disability, mental health, and societal barriers

                                               Advocacy for rights - Championing the rights of people with disabilties, focusing on                                                   equal access, workplace accommodations and mental health support

                                               Resilience and empowerment - Emphasising the importance of self-advocacy and                                                     empowerment in overcoming personal and societal challenges

                                               Building mental health resilience - teaching practical tools to build mental health                                                       resilience for individuals, families and organisations.

Snapshot about Lauren-Adel:

Lauren-Adel is a dedicated Support Worker with a passion for helping individuals navigate their personal journeys, particularly in the areas of mental health and disabilty.  Drawing on her own personal experiences as a person living with Autism, ADHD, Tourette's, anxiety and depression, she is committed to offering compassionate, empathetic support to those facing similar challenges. 

As a lived experience disability and mental health speaker, Lauren-Adel strives to raise awareness, break down stigma and empower others to embrace their unique paths.  Her mission is to create spaces where people feel seen, heard and supported on their journey off wellbeing and self-acceptance.

 

EMBRACING VULNERABILITY AND CREATING STRONG CONNECTIONS WITH BLAKE ARTHUR

Expert & Lived Experience in:

Mental health advocacy

Social alcohol dependence

Creating my mental health toolbox

Understanding the strength of connection

 

 

Snapshot about Blake:

Blake is a Gladstone local who has ridden the rollercoaster of poor mental health and social alcohol dependence.  Blake emptied his 'toolbox' and now filled it with all the right tools to create a happier and healthier life.

Blake shares his personal journey of overcoming struggles and the vital tools that helped along the way.  Through time, self-reflection, support and connection, Blake found ways to heal and grow.  By sharing his story, Blake encourages others to recognise the significance of support, self-care and gratitude in their own lives.  The lessons Blake has learned are invaluable, and great stepping stones to building a healthy mind and heart.  You'll gain insight into how small acts of kindness, connection and self-awareness can create positive and everlasting change.

 

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 adversitie

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:

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

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.Faith and Family Through Adversity

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

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

To book a speaking engagement.Contact Us

 

 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 December 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.

To book a speaking engagement.Contact Us

 

YOU'VE GOT THIS! WITH STACEY HARWOOD

 

Expert & Lived Experience in:

Mum of 4

Marriage breakdown

Family teen suicide

Mental health family advocate

Managing life's changes

Managing stepfamilies and blended family units

                                                 Finding happiness and love again

                                                 Surviving and dealing with depression and PTSD

                                                 Turning my pain into purpose

                                                 Coping techniques to live through trauma, grief and loss and change

Snapshot about Stacey:

Stacey is a speaker on mental health and how to overcome grief and loss and breaking the stigma of suicide.  Stacey has faced unimaginable challenges, from navigating a marriage breakdown to the devastating loss of her 19 year old son, Ethan, who took his own life in 2018.  Her world was irrevocably changed, and while the passing years have softened some edges, the pain remains profound and raw.  Despite the heartache, Stacey chooses to face each day encouraging herself with the words, "You've got this."

Her resilience has fuelled her passion for mental health awareness, especially for families with teens facing mental health struggles.  Through her story, Stacey hopes to create a sense of solidarity and understanding, ensuring that other families feel heard and supported.  Her mission is to inspire others by sharing the strength it takes to keep moving forward while navigating life's ups and downs.

Now embarking on a journey of learning, understanding, empowering, growing and passing onto everyone everything she has learnt so she can make a difference in our world and hopefully stop the stigma of mental health and suicide.

Her kind, welcoming smile warms any room she enters, helping share her heart felt life story, learnings and techniques that have helped her overcome some horrible trauma.  Stacey's honest, straight up personality will have you feeling welcomed and in a safe place to be heard and understood.

Sometimes when it's all a little overwhelming, here is a gentle remindere to take it 1 day at a time and if that's too much, take it 1 hour at a time, and if that's too mich take it 1 minute at a time, and if that's still too much take 1 second at a time.  Please remember you've got this.