Mental Health & Mindset Talks for Schools
Tom Dickinson is a lived experience mental health speaker for schools, delivering powerful and engaging talks that help students build resilience, improve wellbeing and develop a stronger mindset.
For over seven years, Tom has spoken in primary schools, secondary schools, colleges, universities and alternative education settings across the UK, helping thousands of young people better understand their mental health and navigate the challenges they face today.
Through honest storytelling and practical strategies, Tom creates a safe and engaging environment where students feel comfortable reflecting on important topics such as mental health, social media pressure and self-belief.
Each session is tailored to the audience to ensure students connect with the message in a meaningful and impactful way.
Turning Pain Into Purpose
In October 2015, Tom tragically lost his brother to suicide after a long battle with substance abuse and depression.
The grief and trauma that followed led Tom into his own struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts.
Through resilience, support and a deep desire to create change, Tom found a new purpose – helping others by raising awareness around mental health and encouraging open conversations.
Determined to prevent other families from experiencing the same loss, Tom founded Tom’s Talks, a platform dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health and empowering young people with the tools to navigate life’s challenges.
Why Schools Invite Tom
Schools book Tom because he connects with students in a way that few speakers can.
His honest and relatable delivery helps young people feel understood and encourages open conversations around mental health and wellbeing.
Schools regularly report:
• High levels of student engagement
• Honest and thoughtful discussions
• Positive feedback from both students and staff
• Increased awareness of mental health and support
• Students feeling less alone in their struggles
Tom also stays after sessions whenever possible so that students who need support can speak privately.
What's Covered in Tom's Talks
Tom’s talks address many of the challenges young people face today and are designed to educate, inspire and empower students.
Mental Health and Motivation
Tom shares his personal journey and highlights the importance of resilience, self-care and asking for support when needed.
Breaking the Stigma
Encouraging open conversations around mental health and helping students understand that it’s okay to ask for help.
The Impact of Social Media
Exploring comparison culture and helping young people develop a healthier relationship with social media.
Building Resilience & Positive Habits
Practical strategies for managing setbacks, building confidence and developing strong habits.
Supporting Others
Helping students recognise when someone might be struggling and how they can offer support.
Talk Options
Tom offers flexible session formats depending on the needs of your school.
Mental Health & Motivational Talk
A powerful 60-minute assembly-style talk, delivered to full year groups.
The session includes:
• Tom sharing his story
• Key messages around resilience and mindset
• Interactive audience moments
• A Q&A session with students
Tom often stays after the session for students who would like to speak privately.
Master Your Mindset Workshop
A 60-minute interactive workshop, best suited for smaller groups or classrooms.
This workshop complements Tom’s talk by helping students apply what they’ve learned to their daily lives.
Students explore:
• Fixed vs growth mindset
• The importance of habits and discipline
• Managing stress and pressure
• Reframing failure as learning
• Building resilience and confidence
– Practicing Gratitude
Students leave with greater self-awareness, practical tools to manage pressure and clear actions to improve their habits, performance and wellbeing.
Talk + Workshop Package
Many schools choose a combined package, which includes:
• A whole year group talk or assembly
• Follow-up workshops with smaller groups
This format allows students to engage more deeply with the topics discussed and maximise the impact of Tom’s visit.
OTHER WORKSHOPS
Tom also delivers a range of interactive workshops tailored to the needs of individual schools.
Popular themes include:
Misogyny & Toxic Masculinity
Exploring the influence of social media, peer culture and harmful online narratives while encouraging respectful attitudes and behaviour.
Health, Wellbeing & Nutrition
Helping students understand the connection between physical health, lifestyle choices and mental wellbeing.
If your school is facing specific challenges or topics you would like addressed, Tom can work with staff to design a bespoke workshop for your students.
Book Tom for Your School
If you’re looking for a powerful school mental health speaker who truly connects with students, Tom’s Talks can support your school.
Tom works with schools across the UK and sessions can be tailored to your students and school priorities.
Enquire today to check availability or discuss your event.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Physical & Mental Health, and Wellbeing
Redden Court School
Tom came to our school and shared his experiences to our students. He delivered a deeply personal story but did so in a way to engage every student or adult in front of him. Parent Feedback: “My son came home and the first thing he said was he actually enjoyed his
Dixons Kings School
Thanks so much for coming in to our school today and delivering your talk. The engagement from students and their participation from the Q&A at the end of each session was amazing to witness. You are a relatable young man with a powerful story and can be other young people’s
Carlton Junior & Infant School
We had the huge privilege to welcome Tom to our school. He truly is inspirational. Staff and children were inspired by his candid openness and honesty. There were some very clear messages for the children around social media. Staff really recognised the importance of their own mental health. I cant