Our Ambassadors and Champions

Our fantastic Ambassadors and Champions help us to spread the word about our vital work and reach even more people.

Ambassadors

Katie Thistleton

Katie is a popular broadcaster and journalist, best known for her work on CBBC and BBC Radio 1’s Life Hacks. She also wrote Dear Katie, a book of tips about growing up.

Katie on Anxiety and Depression

Lemn Sissay OBE

Lemn is an award-winning writer, poet and broadcaster, known for advocating for children and young people in care.

Lemn on Childhood Trauma & Creativity

Sophie Dahl

Sophie Dahl is an author of both adult and children’s books. She is a long-term supporter of Place2Be and a passionate advocate of mental health support for children.

Sophie on Parental Mental Health

Kate Silverton

Kate is a popular broadcaster and journalist-turned bestselling author. She’s a respected children’s mental health advocate and trainee child psychotherapist.

Kate on Mental Health Advocacy

Rhys Stephenson

Rhys is an actor and children’s television presenter, best known for his work on CBBC. Rhys is committed to using his profile to engage children and young people, and raise awareness of mental health.

Rhys on Visiting a Place2Be School

Ricky Martin

Ricky is a Creative Director, Film Maker and Presenter based in Bristol. Ricky is committed to helping children express themselves through arts and creativity.

Ricky Martin becomes an Ambassador for Place2Be

Mark Austin

Mark is an award-winning broadcaster with decades of experience at ITV and Sky News. He and his daughter Maddy have talked openly about her battle with anorexia as part of the coalition Heads Together campaign.

Mark on Eating Disorders

YolanDa Brown OBE

Award-winning musician YolanDa is an author, educator, and broadcaster. She encourages self-confidence and self-expression in children and believes passionately in the power of music to enhance wellbeing.

YolanDa on Music and Mental Health

Josh Smith

Josh is a Presenter, Journalist, and former Entertainment and Celebrity Director for GLAMOUR UK. Josh is committed to reducing the stigma and barriers around seeking support and speaking out about mental health.

Josh on Self-Acceptance

Lucy Alexander

Lucy campaigns in her son Felix’s memory. He took his life at 17 after years of bullying. Her passion for early help for the young has inspired others to raise thousands of pounds for Place2Be.

Lucy Alexander on the impact of kindness