Tim Read
Founder of Helmet
Tim Read is the founder of Helmet, a technology company building products to support the supporters. Helmet was built on the belief that it is those who exist around an individual already who have the greatest motivation and capability to make a difference in the lives of those with mental health or wellbeing distress – if they were just empowered to do so. Previously a physiotherapist, a world class (Master) chef, and an author, Tim uses his lessons learnt from lived experiences to shape the development of Helmet and communicate as a public speaker, empowering everyone to play their part in the current losing battle in mental health.
Emily Preston
Innovation Lead, Ember Innovations
Emily has spent the past two decades working in social innovation, social enterprise development and non-profit capability-building roles, with a focus on education and wellbeing. She also holds governance and advisory roles within the mental health and wellbeing space. Emily loves to look at complex issues from different angles, listen to the human stories and experiences behind statistics, and explore what might be possible. She is endlessly curious and loves a good yarn, as well as a logic model or system map. Emily is passionate about ensuring the voices of those most impacted by challenges are central to the development of solutions.
Darryl Bishop
Group Chief Executive Office, Ember Korowai Takitini
Darryl has held professional roles within the mental health and addictions sector for over 20 years and now leads Ember Korowai Takitini as Chief Executive Officer. Ember blends professional expertise and lived experience to offer a range of services and supports for anyone with mental health, addiction or intellectual disability needs. It comprises Ember innovations, Services, Systems and Kainga Haumaru – Community Housing. Darryl is committed to ensuring innovation is at the heart of everything that Ember does, and that Ember, the movement, drives systemic change within our sector that means Aotearoa better responds to and understands mental health, addiction and intellectual disability .
Gregor Henderson
eMHIC MC
Gregor Henderson, an Independent Consultant and Mental Health Adviser, works across the UK, Europe and internationally. Collaborating with various national, international organisations and Governments. With expertise in policy, strategy implementation and operational delivery, he also serves as a thought leader in digital mental health. Formerly the Director of Mental Health for Public Health England, Gregor led the organisation’s extensive programmes of work on public mental health. Gregor was also the founding director of Scotland’s internationally renowned National Program for Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing. Gregor is actively involved in various initiatives, serving on a variety of boards and forums, such as the eMental Health International Collaborative, UK Research and Innovation and as an active member of the Global Leadership Exchange. Gregor is also the chair of the Research Advisory Group for Place2Be, a children’s mental health charity. Gregor advocates for an integrated approach, combining policy, research, practice, and lived experiences to transform societal impact on mental health. Gregor is also a coach and mentor in mental health and shares his insights through writing and lecturing.
