Ben West

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Mental health campaigner, best-selling author & social media influencer Ben is one of the most engaging and inspiring young male voices in the UK today.

In 2018, at just 17, Ben’s world collapsed around him when he lost his brother Sam, aged 15, to suicide.

Still only 23, Ben campaigns around mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and fundamentally changing how we approach mental health, especially in schools.

Ben’s award-winning work began when he noticed that teachers were not being properly prepared to deal with mental health issues in the classroom. He started a petition to make mental health first aid a compulsory part of teacher training in a bid to allow teachers the ability and courage to approach students and intervene early to help. The petition was signed by over 300,000 people and Ben has since worked with the government and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson to accelerate its impact.

In 2022, Ben released his first book entitled “This Book Could Save Your Life – Breaking the Silence Around the Mental Health Emergency” which was published by Harper Collins in April 2022. He has also written for numerous publications, including two features in The Sunday Times Magazine, most recently on the dangers of Andrew Tate.

In February 2023, Ben was the focus of an episode for the brand new Snapchat series I Want To Get Better, being interviewed by Jameela Jamil. Since then, he has made his presenting debuts on both Morning Live and Sunday Morning Live, both on BBC One, including presenting a 3 part series for Mental Health Awareness Week in May 2024, as well as covering specific issues such as body dysmorphia in men, exploring different religious and ethical approaches to raise suicide awareness and prevention, discussing children’s mental health safeguarding as part of the wider educational system, and an in-depth look at the rise in road worker attacks across the country. Ben has also appeared on Lorraine (ITV), the smash hit podcast Private Parts for their Mental Health Week Special, and Dr Alex’s Stompcast Podcast.

Ben has written for a number of high profile publications, having been featured twice in The Times – most recently on the 22nd January, speaking out against Andrew Tate and urging formore mental health support with young men.

Ben has also partnered with a number of brands delivering powerful keynotes encouraging vulnerability and openness, and works intimately with leaders by advising and guiding them on their approach to mental health in the workplace.

Ben believes in the power of long term, meaningful relationships with businesses and was appointed as a member of the brand board at Wagamama working closely with their CEO and directors to develop their sustainability, DEI and mental health policies, as they strive to become industry leaders in these areas.