School & College Talks
Jeremy Thomas has delivered talks to Schools & Colleges all over the UK. They have been a wide success in helping Staff, Parents and students open discussions around mental health in a unique and engaging manner.
Click here to see the list of Schools we have worked with and go to our testimonial page to read some responses.
Jeremy is still available to book in person, but you can now stream and download
high-quality videos of our keynote talks and workshops via our Vimeo page.
What we present to you is a fine-tuned machine, complete with oil and a set of tools and instructions. In other words, a series of chaptered high-quality videos offering a compelling insight into living with a serious mental illness and what true, healthy resilience looks like.
Our recorded talks are available on the new Jeremy Thomas Talks Vimeo channel where they are split into the following series:
Keynote Talk: ‘How to stay sane in an insane world’
This is the mother-load. The talk that has led this project to where it is.
The talk gives a full explanation of Jeremy’s key ideas. Mainly the belief, ‘prevention is better than a cure’, and no matter who you are or the state of your condition, things can always get better. This talk takes you through Jeremy’s inspiring life story and life-threatening battle with mental illness and his recovery.
Whilst this talk covers some very sensitive content it is fused together with the brilliant sense of humour and warm compassion that drives Jeremy, making the talk accessible and relatable to everyone.
There is a high possibility you will laugh and cry. It’s even possible you will do it at the same time. But one thing is certain you will learn something valuable from this authentic talk that will help yourself and others around you.
Crucially it introduces the revolutionary dashboard of dials and explains how we can use it to keep balanced and maintain our mental health.
Talk Teasers
Short clips taken from the talks…
THE DIALS
The dials are used in all our talks. They are a graphic, interactive display of our mental health, which need to be managed and kept in balance to prevent mental illness. They offer no cure, but instead are a mindful exercise helping you focus, observe, and adjust your levels, so you may become more balanced and aware.
Lifeboat Workshops
We are also thrilled to have available on our Vimeo page four lifeboat workshops, each thirty minutes long focusing on specific topics of mental health.
So far, this series includes videos on ‘Depression’, ‘Self-Esteem’, ‘Resilience’ and ‘Stress, Anxiety & Trauma.’ As lifeboats the workshops are dedicated to helping you work on making lifesaving coping mechanisms that can be developed at a young age providing awareness and resilience for later life.
Each lifeboat floats about with each topic exploring what it feels like what you can do about it and what is best for you to help yourself and others.
Follow the links below to be taken to our lifeboat collection on our Vimeo channel.
A to Z Guide of Mental Health
Some more good news, the ‘A to Z Guide of Mental Health’ has been updated and a new version is now available for purchase. This book is a brilliant compendium of all the terms and topics that come up in discussions and work on mental health.
What’s even better is the A to Z guide is included for free with any purchases of our recorded Talks and Workshops as an invaluable tool to enhance teaching and discussion.
HOW TO STAY SANE IN AN INSANE WORLD
Informative, Entertaining Good Mental Health with Jeremy Thomas
‘Jeremy spoke with engagement about keeping mentally well- his own life story made his talks impactful. Jeremy spoke to a variety of age groups in school and pitched the content just right- all of our students found the talk useful… Parents, staff and students all left his talks armed with a mental health toolkit and a set of tent pegs to apply to their daily lives…’
Wendy Fox, Deputy Head, Head of Classics Brighton Girls GDST February 2021
‘The pupils appreciated his honest and forthright delivery and clearly recognised some of the signs of stress that he was able to identify from his own experience. Teenagers often find it difficult to relate to anyone giving advice, but Jeremy’s approach provided an excellent platform to develop further valuable discussions on ways in which young people can ensure that they are better prepared for the stresses and strains of their formative years.’
Marianne Smith, Housemistress and Head of PSHE, Oundle School
‘Jeremy Thomas is a complete original. His writing, like his life, is a whirlwind of brilliance, wonder and blunder; by turns hilarious and terrifying. Highly recommended.”
Stephen Fry – Actor, Author
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO BE HAPPY?
There are many things written about happiness- often pretentious, convoluted and not worth repeating. Yet back in 1820, writer and physician Alexander Chalmers might have nailed it with his deceptively simple comment about the three essentials you need to have in your life:
“Something to do, someone to love and something to hope for.”
I do not believe we are entitled to be constantly happy. Whether we are 16, a parent, or a trainee in a company making widgets or Faberge eggs, bad days, bad times do happen. What matters is how we cope, how we deal with things. Putting mental health first saves lives. Conversely, if all else fails, watching these videos normally brings a smile to one’s face- however hard one tries to resist.
Jeremy has worked with dozens of schools and colleges across the UK, including:
Beneden School
Bishops Stortford
Bradford Grammar School
Brighton Girls GDST
Bristol Grammar School
Bruton School for Girls
Bryanstone
Cokethorpe School
Epsom College
Eton College
Framlington College
John Lyon
King Alfred School
King’s College School, Wimbledon
King Edward VI School
Mill Hill School
Milton Abbey
St Mary’s Calne
Ratcliffe College
Reed’s School
St George’s Harpenden
St Paul’s School
Sherborne School
Shrewsbury School
Sutton Grammar School
The King’s School, Canterbury
Tiffin Girl’s School
Tonbridge School
From the Blog
Published Books and Articles
A-Z Guide to Good Mental Health
Jeremy is the co-author of You Don’t Have to Be Famous to Have Manic Depression – The A-Z Guide to Good Mental Health. The book comprehensively explores many of the facts and misconceptions associated with depression, and considers many aspects of our day-to-day lives which can be changed to manage the condition.
Available as an ebook or in paperback format. Courtesy Michael Joseph & Pengiun Books.
Taking Leave
His partly autobiographical novel Taking Leave has received praise from Stephen Fry, Sue Townsend and A. L. Kennedy to name a few. A funny book about an unfunny subject. Taking Leave takes the reader on a roller coaster ride through meltdown, madness and beyond, where love, friendship and family are put to the ultimate test.
Available as an ebook or in hardback format.
Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive
Jeremy co-produced the Emmy award-winning documentary The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive. Stephen Fry presents this documentary exploring the disease of manic depression; a little understood but potentially devastating condition affecting an estimated two percent of the population.
Stephen embarks on an emotional journey to meet fellow sufferers, and discuss the literal highs and lows of being bi-polar. Celebrities such as Carrie Fisher and Richard Dreyfuss invite the comedian into their home to relate their stories.
Stephen also looks into the lives of ordinary people trying to deal with the illness at work and home, and of course to the people studying manic depression in an effort to better control it. A fascinating, moving and ultimately very entertaining Emmy award-winning programme.
Interesting Bits and Pieces
A mish-mash of books, videos, music, cartoons and websites chosen by Jeremy
Happy Talk from South Pacific
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Be Happy
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Jeremy Thomas Talks to Haberdashers’ School
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Jeremy Thomas in The Times
Reading![The Times]()
The Farmer’s Tale
Reading![Chicken pulling plough]()
Ruby Wax Attacks Mental Health Stigma
Videos![Ruby Wax]()
How to sleep like The Dude
External Websites![The Dude]()
Once a Caterer, Not Always a Caterer
Reading![]()
Young people are being let down on mental health
External Websites, ReadingNot Quite the Great Train Robber
Reading![]()
A Selection of Mental Health Cartoons
Images![Mental Health Cartoon]()
Married to a Manic Depressive
Reading![RMY Britannia]()
The Guardian’s Secret Teacher
External Websites, Reading![]()
Stephen Fry on Manic Depression
Videos![]()
Harnessing Depression: David Girard
External Websites, Reading![Depression]()
Ian, Still Cycling After All these Years
Reading![]()
Be the Boss of Your Own Washing Machine
Reading![]()
Professor Green on Depression and Anxiety
External Websites, Reading![Professor Green]()
Jeremy Thomas’s Cats
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The Secret Life of a Manic Depressive (Part 1)
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The Secret Life of a Manic Depressive (Part 2)
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Convent Girl Turns Streaker
Reading![]()
13 Tunes to Wallow in Gloom and Misery With
Music![]()
10 Tunes to Calm Down With
Music![]()
10 Tunes to Make You Want to Get Going
Music![]()
10 Tunes to Fill You with the Joys of Spring
Music![]()
10 Tunes to Unwind to at the End of your Day
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10 Tunes to Reflect Upon the Darker Side of Life to
Music![]()
Cartoons from the A-Z
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E is for…
Reading![]()
B is for…
Reading![]()
Charlie Waller Memorial Trust
External Websites![]()
Earnie Larsen
External Websites![]()
Depression Warning Signs
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Conscious TV Interview (Pt 1)
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Conscious TV Interview (Pt 2)
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Conscious TV Interview (Pt 3)
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Conscious TV Interview (Pt 4)
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Conscious TV Interview (Pt 5)
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Contact Us
For bookings or for more information…
Email: enquiries@jeremythomastalks.co.uk Tel: 01963 34029 Mob: 07884 027647
Jeremy Thomas Talks – Blue Baltic House – 22 Mill Street – Wincanton – Somerset BA9 9AP
For enquiries for Keynotes, webinars, films and workshops to schools, companies, conferences and public bodies please contact enquiries@jeremythomastalks.co.uk
When you contact us by email, telephone or post we will store and process your personal information according to our Privacy Policy (click here).
Below are useful websites for those affected by some of the mental health illnesses that will be discussed in the shows
Narcotics Anonymous
NA is a non-profit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem.
Alcoholics Anonymous
AA is a fellowship of men and women who help others to recover from alcoholism.
NHS Alcohol Support
Realising you have a problem with alcohol is the first step to getting better, but it’s often the hardest one.
The British Association of Anger Management
Attending an Anger Management is the first step towards a healthier happier life.
Mind
Mind, the mental health charity, is here to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone.
Samaritans
Samaritans works to make sure there’s always someone there for anyone who needs someone.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
Meeting the needs and break the isolation of those bereaved by the suicide of a close relative or friend.
Charlie Waller Memorial Trust
One of the UK’s most respected mental health charities.
YoungMinds
However you’re feeling right now, things can get better.
Mental Health UK
Supporting people affected by mental health problems including friends, family and carers.