TV & Media Appearances
- BBC (various programmes & interviews) – regular expert commentator on young people’s mental health, including appearances linked to the BBC Today Programme and BBC features on youth wellbeing and student mental health discussions.
- Sky News – featured mental health expert discussing young people’s wellbeing, education stress, and workplace mental health themes.
- The Guardian (broadcast commentary & interviews) – regularly quoted and featured in mental health reporting and expert commentary pieces.
- Financial Times (media commentary/feature input) – contributor and commentator on youth mental health and wellbeing in education and workplace contexts.
- Radio & broadcast media (BBC Radio 4 / Times Radio style panels) – appears as a recurring expert voice on mental health, education pressure, and prevention strategies.
A Project with Aardman Animation
I was the clinical lead for this project for young people's mental health, it was called 'What's Up with Everyone'. See the video below.
Background & Experience
- Multi-award-winning GP, national mental health expert, TEDx speaker, author and educator with 20+ years’ clinical experience.
- Former Director of Service at the University of Bristol Students’ Health Service, with additional experience as a police and expedition doctor.
- Founder of Buzz Consulting, supporting organisations to improve young people’s mental health and wellbeing through education, strategy and practical support.
- Independent member of the UK Government’s Higher Education Mental Health Implementation Taskforce, contributing to national policy and sector-wide change.
- Author of several wellbeing books and guides for young people, parents, educators and professionals.
- Co-creator of The Positive Student Planner in partnership with Positive Planners and the Samaritans.
- Collaborated with Expert Self Care to develop innovative mental health apps for young people.
- Regular media commentator on young people’s mental health, featured by the BBC Today programme, Sky News, The Guardian, Financial Times and The Sunday Times.
- Contributor to national mental health leadership and advisory roles, including NICE, the Royal College of GPs, Student Minds, Universities UK and the Office for Students.
- Former GP member of the NICE Eating Disorders Guidelines Development Group (2017) and member of the 4MentalHealth Expert Reference Group on suicide prevention.
- President of the UK Student Health Association (2024–25).
- Interim Chair of the UK Mental Wellbeing in Higher Education group (Advance HE).
- Former non-executive director of a mental health trust and school governor at Bristol Grammar School for eight years.
- Executive board member for the UKRI-funded Nurture U project and Zinc Fellow supporting health innovation.
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA).
- Recipient of Bristol’s Healthcare Professional of the Year and recognised in the Top 100 West Women of the Year.
- Represented by the Graham Maw Christie Literary Agency.
Talks and Event Services
Student Mental Health: What’s Happening, Why It’s Happening and What We Can Do About It
A keynote exploring the growing pressures facing young people today, why student mental health is changing, and practical evidence-based ways educators, parents and organisations can respond.
The 21st Century Pressures on Young People
An insightful talk unpacking perfectionism, social media, academic pressure and the ‘always on’ culture affecting this generation, with practical strategies to build resilience.
How to Grow a Grown Up
A popular parent-focused talk on raising confident, resilient teenagers in a rapidly changing world, helping parents support independence, wellbeing and life skills.
Staying Well in an Uncertain World
Designed for pupils and students, this talk shares practical wellbeing tools for managing stress, uncertainty and exam pressure while developing lifelong coping skills.
Degrees of Sanity: How to Leave School Successfully
A practical and engaging session for sixth formers preparing for university or life beyond school, focused on transition, wellbeing and thriving independently.
Understanding Generation Z in the Workplace
A thought-provoking talk for employers and teams on understanding Gen Z values, pressures and behaviours, and how workplaces can better support and engage younger staff.
Workplace Wellbeing and Preventing Burnout
A practical session for organisations on creating healthier workplace cultures, managing stress and supporting wellbeing in demanding environments.
Suicide Awareness and Prevention Skills
A compassionate, evidence-informed talk helping audiences recognise warning signs, build confidence in difficult conversations and strengthen support pathways.
Looking After Your Mental Health at University
A student-focused talk on navigating university life, maintaining wellbeing, and knowing how and when to seek support.
Understanding Distress: Self-Harm, Eating Disorders and Coping Behaviours
A powerful talk helping parents, educators and professionals better understand challenging behaviours in young people, with greater empathy and practical guidance.
Study Drugs, Stress and Student Survival
An eye-opening talk examining academic performance pressures, unhealthy coping strategies and healthier routes to success.
The Student Wellbeing Series eBooks
A series of pocket guides focusing on student wellbeing.
