Successful British swimmer and Olympic gold champion Rebecca Adlington will talk about overcoming adversity, social media abuse and her personal mental health experience in Grimsby this September.
Rebecca will join us as we host our annual general meeting and celebration at Grimsby Auditorium, demonstrating best practice, new projects and achievements in mental health services.
NAViGO chief executive Jane Lewington said: “We’re delighted that Rebecca is joining us for our annual celebration, particularly as we celebrate our tenth anniversary year and we look forward to hearing more about her personal journey.
“We use the event to remove stigma and change perception of mental health by inviting high profile guests to speak of their experiences.
“It’s really important to show that everyone’s personal mental health can be affected at any time.”
Following her success at the Beijing Olympics, Rebecca was thrust into the spotlight and following her retirement in 2013 makes regular TV appearances offering commentary and analysis on her beloved sport most recently covering the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Away from the pool, Rebecca undertook the challenge of staring on ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!’ where she faced a barrage of social media abuse attacking her personally.
Since this surfaced, she has become a role model to people who might be suffering through internet bullying, supporting others who may be facing similar issues.
Rebecca isn’t the only familiar face who’ll be making an appearance.
Mental health campaigner Jonny Benjamin MBE – whose social media campaign with Rethink to #findMike, the man who talked him out of jumping off a bridge when he was suicidal, went viral – will also be making a welcome return to NAViGO to speak about Beyond – the young people’s mental health organisation.
NAViGO’s AGM - bringing together staff, service users, carers, partner agencies, community and other NHS trusts - will be held at the Grimsby Auditorium and live streamed via YouTube and this website.
Jane added: “After the last year, it’s a good opportunity for us to take stock and say a massive thank you to our staff but more importantly look to the future.
“We want to continue improving and developing services for the people of North East Lincolnshire so we can support them in their mental wellbeing.”