Culture Change From Within
Every workplace needs people who make it okay to talk. Here's what a mental health champion actually is, how the role differs from a first aider, and how to build a champion network that lasts — with Danny to inspire and train them.
The Basics
A mental health champion is a volunteer within a workplace who helps make mental health something people can talk about openly. They raise awareness, chip away at stigma, share resources, and act as a friendly, approachable point of contact for colleagues who might be struggling. Crucially, they are not clinicians or counsellors — their power is in being an ordinary, relatable colleague who helps normalise the conversation.
Champions are one of the most cost-effective ways to shift a culture, because change comes from within the team rather than being handed down from HR. Alongside trained managers and Mental Health First Aiders, a champion network is a key part of a workplace that genuinely looks after its people.
Know The Roles
A volunteer who raises awareness and reduces stigma across the organisation. Focused on culture and conversation.
Supports their own team day to day — spotting signs, having the conversation and making adjustments.
Formally trained to recognise a mental health issue or crisis and signpost someone to the right help.
The strongest workplaces use all three together — and Danny can help you build every layer.
Get It Right
Recruit people who genuinely care
Ask for volunteers rather than appointing them. The best champions are the ones colleagues already turn to. An inspiring talk is a great way to find them.
Train them and set clear boundaries
Champions aren't counsellors. Give them training on their role, how to listen, where their limits are, and how to signpost — so they can help safely.
Make them visible
People can only turn to a champion they know exists. Photos, intros, lanyards, an intranet page — make it easy to find them.
Support the supporters
Check in with your champions regularly, give them a network to lean on, and make sure they're looking after their own wellbeing too.
Back it from the top
A champion programme thrives when leaders visibly support it — and lead by talking openly themselves.
Common Questions
What is a mental health champion?
A volunteer within a workplace who helps raise awareness of mental health, reduce stigma and encourage people to talk and seek help. They're a friendly, approachable point of contact — not a clinician or counsellor.
How is a champion different from a Mental Health First Aider?
A champion focuses on culture — awareness, conversation and reducing stigma. A Mental Health First Aider is formally trained to recognise the signs of a mental health issue or crisis and signpost appropriate help. Many organisations use both.
How do you set up a mental health champion programme?
Ask for volunteers who genuinely care, train them and set clear boundaries, make them visible, support them with regular check-ins, and back the programme visibly from leadership.
Do mental health champions need training?
Yes. Even though they aren't clinicians, champions need training on their role, boundaries, how to hold a conversation and where to signpost — so they can support colleagues safely and protect their own wellbeing.
Launch Your Champions
Danny's story is the spark that recruits champions and gives them belief. Bring him in to launch or energise your programme.
