Rachel Kelly
Writer, Mental Health Campaigner and Public Speaker
Since being diagnosed with depression in her early thirties Rachel has written about the condition, and how she has recovered. Her memoir 'Black Rainbow' was a Sunday Times bestseller, her second book 'Walking on Sunshine: 52 Small Steps to Happiness' is an international bestseller, and her latest book 'The Happy Kitchen: Good Mood Food' was published in January 2017.
As a keynote speaker and media commentator, Rachel is invited regularly to speak at events and conferences and has worked with clients including News UK, the BBC, ACAS and Credit Suisse. Rachel speaks publicly about her experience to help reduce stigma and share what she has learnt about how to stay calm and well. She contributes regular articles to The Times, The Guardian and The Telegraph, as well as other newspapers and magazines, and is a commentator on radio and television including Radio 4, BBC and Sky News. She also runs workshops for companies, schools, universities and charities.
As someone who has been affected by depression, Rachel knows that stigma about mental illness is alive and well, not just from others but also in the minds of those affected. Rachel is honoured to be an ambassador for Rethink Mental Illness, SANE, YOUNGMINDS and The Counselling Foundation.