Professor Fuschia Sirois

Professor in the Department of Psychology

🏛 Durham University

Social/health/personality psychologist interested in the factors that create risk or resilience for health and well-being, with a particular focus on self-regulation. Professor in Social and Health Psychology at Durham University since 2022, previously at the University of Sheffield and a Canada Research Chair at Bishop’s University.

Dr Michael Priestley

Lecturer in the School of Education

🏛 Durham University

Joined the School of Education at Durham University as a Lecturer in 2024, having previously worked as a Research Associate at King’s College London. Research interests span student mental health and wellbeing at university, and critical educational psychology, applied through work with the Charlie Waller Trust and Student Minds.

Dr Marco Bocchio

Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology

🏛 Durham University

Investigates the neuronal mechanisms underlying cognition and emotion, with a focus on the amygdala, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, including how psychedelics act on these systems and their effects on mental health.

Geoff Benning

Nurse Educator

🏛 Life Vital Academy

Founder of Life Vital Academy and creator of the Vital Skills Summit. A former intensive care nurse with over 20 years’ experience, Geoff leads training across first aid, mental health first aid and conflict management, known for making learning practical, engaging and empowering.

Welcome and Housekeeping

Opening the summit, introducing the day’s theme, speakers, venue guidance, timings and key information to help delegates feel prepared, comfortable and ready to engage.

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Exploring how gender norms shape wellbeing, communication and help-seeking

Dr Michael Priestley explores how gender norms shape wellbeing, communication and help-seeking, why people may stay silent, minimise distress, or avoid support, and how safer spaces can enable people to reach out.

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Dr Michael Priestley

Coffee Break

Exploring research into psychedelic and non-psychedelic drugs and their potential benefits for mental health

Dr Marco Bocchio explores research into psychedelic and non-psychedelic drugs, their potential benefits for depression, anxiety and mental health, and what emerging science may mean for future treatments.

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Dr Marco Bocchio

Exploring common humanity, self-compassion and procrastination

Professor Fuschia Sirois explores common humanity, self-compassion and procrastination, helping delegates understand how self-criticism, shame and delay can affect wellbeing, coping and reaching out for support.

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Prof. Fuschia Sirois

Lunch

Skills in Action – ITU Psychosis and the lasting effects

This 20-minute talk explores ITU psychosis through lived experience, sharing what it can feel like to face confusion, fear and altered reality in critical care, and the lasting effects this can have.

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Skills in Action – Mental Health and Young People

Mental Health and Young People explores the pressures, identity challenges and emotional struggles young people face, and how trusted adults and services can better recognise distress, listen well and respond with care.

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Skills in Action – Resilience in a Changing World

Resilience in a Changing World explores how connection, adaptability and purpose can help people navigate uncertainty, manage pressure and build sustainable strength in their personal and professional lives.

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Geoff Benning

Skills in Action – The First Conversation

The First Conversation explores how to respond when someone reaches out, including what to say, what to avoid, how to listen without rushing to fix, and how to help someone feel safe, heard and understood.

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Coffee Break

Lived Experience of Mental Health Condition

This lived experience talk explores what it feels like to live with a mental health condition, lose control to services trying to help, and navigate fear, vulnerability, identity and the need to be heard.

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What do we do on Monday? Keynote Speakers Q & A

A Q&A with all keynote speakers, offering delegates the opportunity to explore key themes, ask questions, reflect on the day’s learning and connect academic insight with lived experience and practice.

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Professor Fuschia Sirois
Dr Michael Priestley
Dr Marco Bocchio

CPD and Final Remarks

CPD and Closing Remarks brings the summit to a close, summarising key learning, reflecting on the day’s themes, and outlining how delegates can evidence their CPD and apply insights in practice.

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