Published: 04/10/2021
Speakers announced for On Track event, 7th October, including former UK special forces hero Mark Bowra MBE.
Former UK Special Boat Service hero Mark Bowra MBE has been announced as one of the speakers at The Tank Museums On Track event that is dedicated to mental health and wellbeing in support of World Mental Health Day.
Military personnel, veterans and blue light employees are being invited for the discounted rate of £1, while standard tickets are £5.
Mark was a decorated member of the Special Boat Service when he suffered a major stroke that left him in hospital for a year. He will be attending along with a number of other experts and speakers on the day.
On Track is a daytime event running from 9 am to 5 pm on Thursday 7 October and it will also be live-streamed on the On Track YouTube channel here.
Others taking part will be psychologist therapist Dr Justin Havens and Dr William Bird MBE, CEO of Intelligent Health and regularly seen on BBC Breakfast speaking about nature and mental health.
There is a full day of talks, designed to provide advice on mental resilience and well-being, as well as techniques to help those around you. It follows a hugely successful inaugural event in 2019.
Dorset Mental Health Forum is also on-site with their ‘Human Library’ providing one to one support and guidance for those who’d like to sit and chat with lived-experience experts.
Rosanna Dean, Events Manager at The Tank Museum, said: “There is a packed programme with some superb and highly qualified speakers.
“Among them is Mark Bowra, a former special forces’ soldier who suffered a stroke and has since set up a charitable foundation.
“He has also launched the Bowra Bag, a toolkit to aid rehabilitation, communication and independence for those suffering from neurological disorders.
“Other guests include medical professionals and experts in fitness, finance, resilience and mental health.
“The objective of On Track is to help reduce stigma about mental health issues particularly among the military and emergency services, provide a safe space for people to speak in and offer help and advice.
“We will be hearing from individuals who have stories to tell that might help and inspire others.
“The benefits of nutrition, nature, mindfulness and physical fitness for good mental health are also themes that will be explored.”
Event partners include Dorset’s Police Crime Commissioner, local brewers Hall & Woodhouse, Dorset Mental Health Forum, Bournemouth University and Dorset Armed Forces Covenant.
Discover more about the On Track event and book your place here.
