Ben West

Ben West – Turning personal tragedy into a movement for change

In 2018, Ben West's life changed forever when he unexpectedly lost his younger brother to suicide. Just 17 years old at the time, he found himself navigating overwhelming grief, guilt and confusion. This devastating experience became the driving force behind his commitment to transforming how society understands and responds to mental health challenges.

Rather than allowing difficult conversations to remain unspoken, Ben began sharing his experiences openly, building a platform that has reached people around the world. Through raw and honest social media videos, he addresses subjects often surrounded by silence, from coping with bereavement to understanding how to approach someone experiencing mental health difficulties.

His ability to communicate sensitive topics with authenticity and compassion has established him as an influential voice in mental health advocacy, connecting with individuals, communities and organisations seeking to make a meaningful difference.

Reasons To Stay – Five million letters of hope

In January 2026, Ben launched Reasons To Stay, a viral suicide prevention project built around a simple but powerful idea: a message from a stranger can offer hope when someone needs it most.

The initiative connects people experiencing difficult moments with anonymous letters written by volunteers, offering reassurance, kindness and a reminder that they are not alone. Since its launch, Reasons To Stay has delivered over five million letters to visitors, demonstrating how small acts of compassion can have an extraordinary reach.

Building on the project's success, Ben is working with Penguin UK and Penguin US on Reasons To Stay: Letters of Hope from a World that Cares. Scheduled for release across multiple territories in early 2027, the book brings together messages of encouragement and solidarity from strangers across the globe.

Bestselling author & trusted media voice

Alongside his campaigning, Ben has established himself as a respected author and media contributor, bringing important conversations about mental health to mainstream audiences.

His bestselling book, This Book Could Save Your Life, published by HarperCollins in 2022, received critical acclaim and further strengthened his reputation as an influential advocate for mental health awareness.

Ben has also presented a special series for BBC One's Morning Live during Mental Health Awareness Week, exploring a range of important social and wellbeing issues. His broadcast work has covered body dysmorphia in men, religious and ethical approaches to suicide awareness and prevention, children's mental health safeguarding within education, and the rise in attacks on road workers across the country.

His media appearances include:

• BBC One's BBC Breakfast and Morning Live
• CNN News, Sky News, ITV's Lorraine and Good Morning Britain
• BBC World Service's Outlook
• Snapchat's I Want To Get Better, where he was interviewed by Jameela Jamil
• Private Parts, Dr Alex's Stompcast and Fearne Cotton's Happy Place

Ben's writing has also appeared in The Times and The Sunday Times Magazine, where he has been featured twice, alongside a feature in Men's Health for its Mental Health Awareness Month special.

Strategic advisor & mental health educator

Beyond his public advocacy, Ben West works directly with organisations to develop effective approaches to employee wellbeing, mental health education and long-term cultural change.

As an experienced strategic advisor and Mental Health Policy Lead, he has collaborated with organisations including Wagamama, Pfizer and the NHS to develop sustainable wellbeing strategies. He also advises company boards on mental health, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and sustainability policies, helping leadership teams translate their commitments into meaningful organisational action.

As an accredited Mental Health First Aid instructor, Ben delivers training that equips individuals with the knowledge and confidence to recognise signs of mental health difficulties, respond appropriately and support colleagues through challenging situations.

His expertise is further informed by frontline crisis support experience. As a volunteer with SHOUT, the national mental health textline, he provides one-to-one support to people experiencing urgent emotional distress, gaining valuable insight into the realities of mental health crises and the importance of compassionate communication.

In 2025, Ben received an honorary degree from Bournemouth University in recognition of his contributions to mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

Book Ben West for your event

Ben West brings an exceptional combination of personal experience, professional expertise and practical mental health education to the stage. His keynotes and workshops address challenging subjects with honesty, sensitivity and an approachable style that resonates with audiences across industries and generations.

Through powerful storytelling and actionable guidance, Ben helps audiences recognise the signs that someone may be struggling, approach difficult conversations with greater confidence and understand the role they can play in supporting mental wellbeing. For organisations, his presentations offer valuable perspectives on strengthening workplace culture, reducing stigma and encouraging employees to seek support when they need it.

Book Ben West as a keynote speaker or workshop host for an inspiring, thought-provoking experience that empowers audiences to approach mental health and suicide prevention with greater awareness, compassion and confidence.