Volunteer to be a speaker

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Beyond Blue Speaker.

Our speakers assist Beyond Blue by sharing their story to groups in the community. We receive requests from all types of groups and organisations and match them with appropriate speakers to share their story. By doing so, our speakers help raise awareness and reduce stigma of anxiety and depression in communities throughout Australia.

Is being a speaker right for you?

Making the decision to talk publicly about an experience of mental health issues isn’t right for everyone. 

We know that living with anxiety and depression can have its ups and downs. However, it’s important that Beyond Blue Speakers embody the values of hope and recovery. Some people find that speaking publicly about a personal experience and dealing with sensitive audience questions can be confronting or stressful, which can make the role difficult for those who are continuing to experience frequent periods of distress.

We encourage anyone who may be interested in becoming a Beyond Blue Speaker to take some time to reflect on your own wellbeing and whether this type of activity is right for you at this time.

Recruiting speakers is an ongoing process and while you may choose not to apply this time, there will be opportunity to do so again in the future. There are also many other ways to share your experience and make a difference, such as joining our online reference group – Blue Voices. 

What we look for

• Past experience of diagnosed anxiety and/or depression and/or suicidal behaviours OR experience of caring for someone with a diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression.
• In a recovery space (i.e. not continuing to experience frequent periods of distress, undergoing treatment in hospital, changing or receiving new medications or treatment) for at least the past 8-12 months.
• Must hold a current or be willing to obtain (at own expense) a Working with Children and National Police Check (relevant to home state).
• Personal experience and subsequent recovery consistent with Beyond Blue's key messaging of seeking professional help.
• No intention to promote or sell any personal agenda, business, venture or product if representing Beyond Blue. 
• Strong motivation to promote community awareness of anxiety and depression and the work of Beyond Blue.
• Sustained and respected profile in the public domain including social media platforms (i.e. no or little public controversy)
• Alignment with Beyond Blue's core values, vision and mission

How to apply