Co-Founder of Beyond Shame Beyond Stigma, Leading Mental Health Advocate & Star of BAFTA-Nominated “The Stranger on the Bridge”
Neil Laybourn’s Biography:
Neil Laybourn is one of the UK’s most influential mental health advocates and speakers, recognised internationally for his involvement in a seminal real-life event that transformed the landscape of mental health campaigning. His message centres on the power of connection, compassion, and the responsibility we all share in looking out for one another. His unique, firsthand perspective, transitioning from bystander to lifesaver, gives his talks unmatched authenticity and emotional depth.
His advocacy began when he intervened to save the life of Jonny Benjamin on Waterloo Bridge. After this moment, Neil became the central figure in the globally recognised campaign “Find Mike,” which saw Jonny Benjamin search for the stranger who saved his life (Neil, who preferred the name ‘Mike’ initially). The campaign gained widespread media attention, highlighting the critical need for mental health awareness, and was eventually made into the Channel 4 documentary, The Stranger on the Bridge, which was nominated for a BAFTA Award. For his intervention and subsequent advocacy, he was honoured with a Special Recognition Award at the prestigious Pride of Britain Awards.
Since the documentary’s success, Neil has dedicated his career to sharing the profound lessons learned from his experience. He and Jonny have collaborated extensively, co-authoring the best-selling book The Stranger on the Bridge and co-founding the consultancy Beyond Shame Beyond Stigma (BSBS), which provides workplace training and resources to build mentally healthier cultures. Neil is an active Ambassador for The King’s Trust and has launched a national program, Courageous Conversations, dedicated to teaching young men to openly discuss emotional vulnerability. His dedication to campaigning has been further recognised by the University of the Arts London (UAL), which awarded him an Honorary Degree (Doctor of Laws).
As a highly sought-after speaker, Neil Laybourn focuses on translating his personal journey into practical, actionable advice for corporate, education, and public sector audiences. His keynotes are powerful demonstrations of how simple acts of compassion can become systemic cultural change. He offers candid, clear insight into managing mental health in the workplace, emphasising the importance of active listening, authentic connection, and fostering a true “speak-up” culture.
Why Hire Neil Laybourn?
Neil Laybourn delivers one of the most authentic and compelling mental health talks available today. His journey, chronicled in the BAFTA-nominated documentary The Stranger on the Bridge, moves beyond statistics to focus on the power of human connection. He provides actionable insights on compassion, mental first aid, and creating a supportive culture, making him an ideal speaker for organisations serious about building resilience and promoting psychological safety.
Neil Laybourn’s Career Highlights:
Below showcases Neil Laybourn’s inspirational career highlights throughout the world of mental health:
- 2025 – Launched a new national program, Courageous Conversations, dedicated to teaching young men to openly discuss mental health and emotional vulnerability.
- 2019 – Awarded an Honorary Degree (Doctor of Laws) by the University of the Arts London (UAL) for his dedication to mental health campaigning.
- 2019 – Co-founded the consultancy Beyond Shame Beyond Stigma (BSBS), providing mental health training and resources to corporate organisations.
- 2018 – Co-authored the best-selling book, The Stranger on the Bridge, detailing his story and the power of connection.
- 2017 – Received the Special Recognition Award at the prestigious Pride of Britain Awards for his intervention and subsequent mental health advocacy.
- 2017 – The Channel 4 documentary, The Stranger on the Bridge, was nominated for a BAFTA Award, bringing his story and mental health advocacy widespread recognition.
- 2016 – Appointed as an Ambassador for The Prince’s Trust (now The King’s Trust), actively promoting mental health support and youth mentorship.
- 2014 – Became the focus of the viral media campaign, “Find Mike,” where Jonny Benjamin successfully searched for the stranger (Neil) who saved his life.
- 2008 – Intervened to save the life of Jonny Benjamin on Waterloo Bridge, marking the beginning of his journey in mental health advocacy.
Videos
Neil Laybourn’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“I think the session was excellent. I have had a couple of notes with really positive feedback. Neil and Jonny are a joy to work with, and their story speaks for itself.” – HSBC
“Just a quick note to say a huge thank you for sharing your story with our Bank of Ireland team this morning – the feedback has been amazing! While that’s lovely in itself, even more importantly is that you will have made a difference to some of our people who didn’t know how they could find the “person on the bridge” that they might be needing to talk to. A huge thank you, really well done and my very best wishes to you both.” – Ian, Chief Executive Officer, Bank of Ireland UK
“Just wanted to send a huge thank you for coming in to talk to our staff today. I know from verbal feedback that people found that hugely engaging, informative and inspiring. We couldn’t have asked for more.” – Dyson
Speaking Topics
Neil Laybourn’s Official Keynote Topics:
- The Power of Connection and Compassion
- From Bystander to Lifesaver: Taking Action on Mental Health
- Creating a Speak-Up Culture & Psychological Safety
- Masculinity, Vulnerability, and Suicide Prevention
- Emotional First Aid in the Workplace
How Much Does Neil Laybourn Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Neil Laybourn?
The cost of hiring Neil Laybourn depends on your event format, location and duration. For an accurate quote tailored to your needs, contact a London Keynote Speakers Agency booking agent for expert guidance.