Ep 12: Mike Cherry



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Simon Blake OBE returns for a second series of Just About Coping.

This series we're looking look at a new campaign by MHFA England; My Whole Self. To create mentally healthy workplaces, people need to feel safe to be their ‘whole self’ at work. So how can we create workforces, wherever that may be, where everyone has the freedom to do this? To find out, Simon has gathered leaders from across the worlds of business, sport, and more...

This week's guest is Mike Cherry OBE, who is Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The FSB is a membership organisation which supports, connects and campaigns for the rights of small businesses, their owners, and the self-employed.  

Mike is fiercely passionate about protecting SMEs and the self-employed, a community which many of our Instructor Members will be part of. Speaking in February, Simon and Mike chatted about: 

  • The crucial role small businesses and the self-employed play in our economy 
  • The impact that being a small business owner can have on our mental health and wellbeing, both positive and negative
  • Mike’s own experience of mental ill health and the effects on small businesses within his family 


The FSB have since also published a number of materials to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic in a number of ways, which we thoroughly recommend you check out if you are part of an SME or self-employed.

As always, we'd love to know what you think. If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including:


Don't forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast and check out all the My Whole Self fun on our website.

More on Mike and the FSB: fsb.org.uk/campaign/it-s-okay-to-talk-about-mental-health
Coronavirus advice and guidance for small businesses and the self-employed: fsb.org.uk/campaign/covid19
FSB Care: fsb.org.uk/join-us/membership/fsb-care

More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake
Simon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and  society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog.

More on #JACPodcast:
MHFA England: mhfaengland.org
Email: media@mhfaengland.org

More on #MyWholeSelf: mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self/