Changing systems, not ticking boxes
Inspiring, evidence-informed talks on youth mental health, lived experience leadership, occupational therapy and working therapeutically in nature.
Catherine Gray is the Founder and CEO of Cup-O-T: Wellness and Therapy Services, an award-recognised mental health social enterprise supporting young people, professionals and communities to thrive.
Catherine is available for keynote talks, conference presentations, podcasts, panels, seminars and lectures across the UK and online. Her speaking blends professional expertise, lived experience and real-world practice – offering audiences insight that is honest, hopeful and grounded in compassion.
Why Book Catherine Gray
Catherine brings a unique combination of perspectives to the stage:
- Recognised female social enterprise leader and speaker
- Founder & CEO of a values-led mental health social enterprise
- Occupational Therapist with extensive experience in youth mental health
- National trainer and facilitator working across education, health and the voluntary sector
- Lived experience leader and mental health expert by experience
Her talks are accessible, reflective and engaging – designed to meet people where they are, while gently challenging systems, assumptions and practice.
Topics Catherine Speaks On
Catherine regularly speaks on a wide range of topics, including:
- Youth mental health and early intervention
- Lived experience leadership and co-production
- Mental health social enterprise and systems change
- Occupational therapy in modern mental health services
- Working therapeutically in nature and outdoor spaces
- Trauma-informed, relational and strengths-based practice
- Sustainability, burnout and boundaries in caring professions
- Turning values into action in mental health services
If you are looking for a specific theme not listed here, Catherine is happy to tailor talks to your audience, event aims and sector.
Formats & audiences
Keynote talks
Conference
presentations
Panel discussions
Seminars & lectures
Fireside chats
& podcasts
Introductory &
practical workshops
- Mental health professionals and therapists
- Educators, schools and education leaders
- Youth workers and voluntary sector organisations
- Health and social care leaders
- Students and trainees
- Lived experience, peer support and community groups
Speaking style & approach
Catherine’s speaking style is:
- Evidence-informed but accessible
- Grounded in lived experience and real practice
- Human, reflective and engaging
- Values-led, compassionate and hopeful
Audiences often describe Catherine’s talks as refreshing, honest and deeply relatable, offering both reassurance and practical insight.
Previous speaking experience
Catherine has spoken at national and regional conferences, local and national podcasts, professional training events, universities, schools and community-led events, contributing to conversations on mental health, occupational therapy, lived experience leadership and social change.
Her experience includes speaking to:
- Professional audiences
- Mixed-discipline panels
- Students and emerging professionals
- Community and grassroots groups
What audiences take away
Audiences leave Catherine’s talks with:
- Renewed motivation to work compassionately and sustainably
- A deeper understanding of youth mental health in real-world contexts
- Practical insights they can apply in their work or organisations
- Increased confidence in valuing lived experience alongside professional expertise
Fees & pricing
Catherine’s speaking fees vary depending on the format, length, location and nature of the event.
As a social enterprise, Cup-O-T aims to balance fair professional fees with accessibility. Reduced rates or alternative arrangements may be available for:
- Charities and voluntary sector organisations
- Community-led or grassroots events
- Student and lived experience-focused spaces
Please get in touch to discuss your event and requirements.
Enquire about booking
If you would like to explore booking Catherine to speak at your event, conference or organisation, please get in touch.
Catherine is happy to:
- Discuss your audience and event aims
- Shape content to fit your theme or programme
- Advise on suitable formats and timings