Our ambassadors

Being an ambassador for Mental Health UK means helping to shape how people understand and value mental health — by sharing your experiences, your voice, and your commitment to change.

Our ambassadors play a vital role in championing the UK’s mental health, raising awareness of the support available, and helping more people access the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges and unlock their potential.

Please note: the individuals listed on this page are the official ambassadors recognised by Mental Health UK. Any person claiming to be a Mental Health UK ambassador who is not featured here isn’t authorised to represent our organisation.

If you encounter someone claiming to be a Mental Health UK ambassador who is not listed on this page, please contact us: communications@mentalhealth-uk.org

Max Whitlock OBE

Max Whitlock OBE is GB’s greatest ever gymnast. Introduced to the gymnastics at the age of seven, Max rose through the ranks to make his Olympic debut in front of a home crowd at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Three gold medals followed at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 adding to the multiple titles won at Commonwealth, European and World Championships.

Shortlisted for the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year award on multiple occasions, Max was appointed an OBE in the 2022 New Year’s Honours for his services to gymnastics. Away from the gym, Max is a devoted husband and father, and has set up the Max Whitlock Gymnastics Club to encourage future generations of athletes to reach their potential.

Richard Whitehead MBE

Richard Whitehead MBE is a Paralympic champion, world record holding marathon runner and one of the UK’s leading advocates for inclusion.

A gold medallist at London 2012, Richard has continued to excel on the global stage, breaking multiple world records (including twice in 2024) and completing his 100th marathon as part of a worldwide challenge in 2025.

Alongside his sporting achievements, he founded The Richard Whitehead Foundation to support disabled people in accessing sport and physical activity. Richard remains committed to sharing the benefits of sport in helping people to manage their mental health and wellbeing.

Shakira Akabusi

Shakira Akabusi is a Women’s health expert, specialising in pre and postnatal fitness, founder of StrongLikeMum, TV woman’s health expert, public speaker, and author of The StrongLikeMum Method. As a mum of four, Shakira understands first-hand the juggle of balancing parenthood with a healthy lifestyle.

Through StrongLikeMum, Shakira offers expert advice and support, answering all the questions women might have about how to keep active during and after pregnancy. Alongside physical fitness Shakira is passionate about embracing the connection between body and mind and as such, champions the importance of maternal mental health. Working on TV, Radio and Online, alongside hosting in-person events, Shakira hopes to shatter the stereotypes surround motherhood and pre and postnatal health.

Find out more about what we do

We won’t stop until everyone has the tools to manage their mental health – and there are a number of ways we can support people affected by poor mental health.