Matt Haig

Matt Haig is a renowned children and adult’s author who has been on quite the mental health journey. At just 24 Matt tried to take his own life and alongside writing, he has since become a mental health advocate who uses his platform to help people understand the challenges those with mental health issues face each day. During his keynote speeches, Matt also speaks on social media addiction and shares his story in the hope that others will seek help for their mental health issues.

When living in Ibiza Matt walked to the edge of a cliff and was just one step away from ending his life. Years later, he published the book ‘Reasons to Stay Alive’ in which he would recall his living hell of suffering with depression and anxiety, and how he was able to find his way back from the edge. Even though he was already a novelist by the time he published this book, it was this ‘side project’ which would catapult him into the role of a mental health campaigner. His book became a best-seller and was praised by celebrities including Stephen Fry, Jo Brand and Ruby Wax.

Matt has been praised for his ability to talk about the darker side of life, even in his children’s books, but so that it is not overwhelming or scary. His children’s book ‘A Boy Called Christmas’ has been translated into 40 different languages a testament to Matt’s incredible writing ability, and was described as “an instant classic” by The Guardian. Matt now has a multitude of awards to his name including ‘Nestle Children’s Book Prize’, ‘Books Are My Bag Readers’ award, Smarties Gold Medal, Blue Peter Book of the Year, and was nominated for the Carnegie Medal three times and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.

When he is not writing books Matt has become a popular mental health speaker, travelling the length of the UK helping those who are in similar situations struggling with their mental health. Matt is an avid believer in talking about any mental issues you might have as this helps reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. With refreshingly honest talks, Matt uses his own experience suffering from mental health to help others battle their demons and feel as though they are not alone. Look no further than Matt Haig when searching for an exceptional mental health speaker for your next event