Tuesday 9th June; 12pm to 1pm
Virtual Workshop
Over the past decade, mental health challenges among young people have risen dramatically and are increasingly visible. Among those aged 16–34, there has been a notable increase in reported mental health conditions, particularly those that are not work-limiting. This reflects both a growing openness to discuss mental health and a cultural shift that has normalised these conversations, especially among students and graduates.
For employers, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Today’s emerging talent is bright, hardworking, and ambitious however to enable them to thrive through competitive recruitment processes and into the workplace, organisations must balance providing meaningful mental health support with the realities of the role.
This workshop will explore the complex factors behind this rise and the unique pressures young people face when transitioning from education into employment. Experts will unpack the causes and manifestations of poor mental health, whilst employers will highlight practical steps they are taking to foster openness, embed mental health awareness, and provide effective support structures
We will also hear individuals’ personal experiences of disclosure, accessing support, and the difference that understanding employers and strong workplace networks can make.
By attending this workshop, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of mental ill health among young people and build the confidence to have supportive, informed conversations with candidates and employees, ensuring they can perform, and thrive, at their best.
Speakers
Jessie Wright
Jessie Wright is a Senior Recruitment Analyst at Accenture, having joined the firm in October 2021 through Accenture’s apprenticeship programme at the age of 19. Jessie supports early talent new joiners from the point of offer through to their first day, ensuring a smooth, welcoming and accessible onboarding experience.
Throughout her career, Jessie has been deeply involved in creating an inclusive and supportive recruitment environment. She has worked closely with MyPlus to embed best practice guidance into recruitment processes, attend and share insight from their sessions, and champion accessibility and adjustment support for candidates and new joiners.
Jessie began her journey at Accenture leading assessment centres and acting as the main point of contact for adjustment requests, helping applicants feel confident and supported throughout the recruitment process.
Now specialising in onboarding, Jessie remains closely connected to early talent cohorts and is passionate about continuously improving the new joiner experience. She is a strong advocate for mental health awareness and wellbeing in the workplace, contributing to initiatives such as newsletters, internal projects and team training to help ensure meaningful support is in place for both colleagues and new joiners.
Drawing from her own lived experience with mental health challenges, including a difficult period of severe depression and anxiety, Jessie is especially committed to helping others feel seen, supported and empowered. With the right guidance and support, she is now in a much healthier place and is deeply motivated to share knowledge, resources and reassurance wherever she can to support others on their journey.
Melissa Bramley
Melissa is an Employability Adviser at the University of Kent, where she supports students from widening participation backgrounds, including many who identify as having a disability. She has a particular interest in mental health, neurodivergence, and empowering students to overcome perceived barriers to employment.
Melissa has two sons, one of which has a formal autism diagnosis, and Melissa personally identifies as Autistic/ADHD, though she does not currently have an official diagnosis. This lived experience further informs her empathetic and insightful approach to supporting neurodivergent students.
Before transitioning into Higher Education, Melissa held roles in Graduate Recruitment and Development within major corporate organisations spanning engineering, energy, and telecommunications. She brings extensive expertise in designing end-to-end assessment and selection processes and has coached numerous young professionals throughout their graduate programmes and early careers.
Phil Canale
Phil is Head of Workplace Wellbeing at MindForward Alliance. He joined in September 2025 having spent 35 years working in Financial Services. Phil is responsible for the delivery of the MindForward Alliance membership programme, hosting and participating in member events and collaborative working groups, leading on member engagement activities, and delivering the annual Thriving at Work Assessment.
Phil spent the last 21 years of his banking career at BNY where he held numerous senior business roles. He served as global Co-Chair of BNY’s diverse abilities network HEART from 2021-2024, leading the resource group to global awards in 2024 with MindForward Alliance (Leadership Award) and Disability:IN (ERG of the Year).
Phil has lived experience of poor mental health. He also grew up in a home where disability was the norm, his mother having chronic rheumatoid arthritis for all of her adult life.
Phil is also the Chair of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal ‘This is Me’ programme SteerCo. The charity champions for better mental health in the City of London and works to break down barriers, unlock potential and aspiration, and create career opportunities people otherwise may not feel empowered and confident to take.
MyPlus Employers’ Club members are entitled to 8 complimentary places. Non-members may purchase places at a price of £95 + VAT. Contact lise@myplusconsulting.com to purchase places or to find out more about Employers’ Club membership.
MyPlus run a variety of these types of events for employers. For details of the different types visit our events page. For details of forthcoming Employers’ Club events taking place visit our events calendar page.
