It’s Still OK Not to Be OK

Date: Wednesday 8th October 2025
Time: 08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Location: fivefourstudios Limited, 54 Oldfield Road, , M5 4LZ
Cost: £Free Members / £20+vat non-members
Categories:
Member Event
Wellbeing & Wellness

The phrase "It's OK not to be OK" has become a powerful mantra, but this event is about moving beyond that initial thought. Just ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10th, we're building on that understanding to explore real, practical strategies on how to be OK with not being OK and how we can support people effectively in the workplace. This event is about building sustainable support systems and tackling the practical challenges of mental wellbeing in the modern workplace.

About the Event

We've been hard at work creating a comprehensive survey to gather data from the Manchester business community on how people really feel about discussing mental health at work. The survey is also capturing the crucial generational differences in these conversations. Our goal is to use this foundational data to help businesses create more effective and meaningful wellbeing support for their teams.

We’ll be taking a deep dive into the initial findings from our survey and exploring the nuances of these discussions.

AI and Anonymous Mental Health Support

We'll also have an open discussion on the evolving role of technology, exploring the pros and cons of using AI for anonymous mental health assistance. This section will touch on questions of privacy, accessibility, and the future of support in the digital age.

The survey  will still be open on the day of the event, and we’ll be sharing some initial snapshots of the data with you.

We encourage you to get your colleagues to engage and share their experiences. Your contributions will help us lay a foundational piece of data that the Wellbeing Committee can build on for years to come, helping us create solutions that are affordable and truly effective for future generations.

Generational Differences in Mental Health Discussions

  • Preparing for the Future: We’ll discuss the HR and employer perspective on how to prepare for the expectations of younger generations entering the workforce, who may be more open to discussing mental health.
  • Supporting the Past: We'll explore how to best encourage and provide support for older generations who may have a different, more reserved approach to these topics.

Our Panel

  • Facilitator: Kerry Sutcliffe
  • Panellists: Martina Witter

We're so excited to have this incredible group leading the conversation and sharing their insights. Their expertise will help us navigate these complex and important topics.

Come and be a part of a movement that is working to change the approach to mental wellbeing in the workforce, one conversation at a time. We can't wait to see you there.

 

Brought to you by pro-manchester's Wellbeing Committee, our goal is to foster a more connected and healthier workforce across Manchester. We believe that by fostering honest and effective conversations about mental and physical health, we can create environments where everyone feels a true sense of belonging and job satisfaction.

About the Speakers:

Martina Witter Director - Rapha Therapy & Training Services

Martina Witter is a Director of Award Winning Rapha Therapy & Training Services, Accredited
Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, Mindset coach ,Health and Wellbeing Consultant, Author , Podcast Host ( Rivers to Resilience), Blogger ,Resilience Trainer , Founder of Black Mental Wealth and Cofounder of Black Women in Business and Professionals Network.

Martina has over 20 years experience working within the wellbeing and mental health field helping diverse individuals ( children & Adults) to develop a strong mindset that allows them to turn bottlenecks into breakthroughs, increase performance and productivity in organizations. Due to her contributions to the field, she has been featured in HuffPost, Thrive Global ,Metro, The Voice, and BBC Radio Manchester.

Martina delivers transformational, dynamic and experiential training whilst also having a passion to see individuals thrive holistically in life through being revived, restored and refocused . Martina delivers Coaching and psychological therapy in innovative and accessible ways including online (video & instant messaging) and via telephone. Martina draws upon her life experiences including bereavements, rejection and stress to connect and empathize with her clients whilst sharing how she has successfully navigated adversity and utilized this for transformation and growth .

Kerry Sutcliffe Coach - The Resilience Retreat

Kerry has 30 years+ of business experience in executive, tech, sales and marketing positions. She is a fully certified Co-active coach and ‘PCC’ accredited by the International Coaching Federation.

Coaching was a natural choice for Kerry, as someone who has is so engaging and passionate about people. Her strengths have always been encouraging others, building their confidence, and helping them take steps towards what they really want. She cares deeply about empowering people and seeing them flourish.

Kirsty Collin Global Head of CRM - Gleeds

Kirsty is a seasoned professional with over 18 years in the construction industry, currently serving as the Global Head of CRM at Gleeds. Beyond her impressive career, Kirsty is a leader in construction and a passionate advocate for mental health awareness.

Kirsty’s non-traditional career journey showcases her tenacity and determination in forging her own path. She brings a unique perspective to the business world.

Her commitment extends to empowering voices in the business landscape. Kirsty is on a mission to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health, leveraging her personal experiences to foster open conversations within the industry and beyond.

 

 

Interested In The Event?

If you’re interested in attending, you can book online here.

With thanks to our Partners: