Speakers 2024

David Monteith

David and his wife Siobhan run the incredible charity Grace in Action, which provides vital support, information, and awareness about stillbirth. Through multimedia resources, they reach bereaved parents, families, friends, professionals, academics, researchers, and the general public.

Elaine Coote

Elaine is a professional speaker, chair, workshop leader and author on perinatal mental health, initially through lived experience and subsequently through gained knowledge.

Samantha Gadsen

Samantha is a dedicated doula. Her expertise lies in supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period, ensuring they feel heard, respected, and empowered.

Mark Harris

Mark, a dedicated midwife and creator of the acclaimed Birthing4Blokes program, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for birth education. As the award-winning author of “Men, Love, and Birth,” he’s a true advocate for inclusive childbirth experiences. 

Dr Anna Byrom

Commencing her midwifery career over 23 years ago, Anna has worked in a variety of roles across midwifery services, education, and research, throughout the UK. 

Mark Williams​

Keynote speaker Mark Williams is an advocate for fathers’ mental health. He is a motivational speaker and, on a mission, to start the conversation about fathers’ perinatal mental health issues and mental health in general.

Heather Copete

Heather is a research officer for Birth Trauma Association. She has a daughter with a hypoxic brain injury. As well as the research role she is one of the longstanding peer supporters.

Mike Coote

Mike presents a clear and unequivocal message whenever he speaks and to whomever he speaks to. Having served as an officer in the South African army for many years and having experienced the harshness of battle conditions.

Scott Mair

Scott is a mental health trainer specialising in father’s mental health and cultural differences, for the last 12 months he has been training NHS trusts across the UK on these subjects. He works with hospitals and charities around the country delivering training to HCPs and supporting new fathers with their MH and transition into parenthood.

Aiden O’driscal

Aidan, Founder of The Modern Fatherhood Club and father of two, advocates for better support for new dads. Through his writing and speaking engagements, Aidan addresses the challenges of early fatherhood and provides resources and a platform for fathers to navigate these discussions.