020 8914 8966
020 8914 8966
Hope delivers a very real and important message about coping with mental illness. She connects very well with her audience especially given this very personal and sensitive subject. It was a pleasure welcoming her to speak at our Mental Health Awareness Week
Kamran, Head of Credit, Royal Bank of Canada
Hope Virgo – Eating Disorder Activist
Introduction
Hope Virgo is an award-winning mental health campaigner, author and speaker who has become one of the UK’s most prominent voices on eating disorder awareness. Drawing on her personal experiences of battling anorexia, Hope has dedicated her life to challenging stigma, reforming mental health services and inspiring recovery.
At 17, Hope was admitted to the hospital after a four-year struggle with anorexia. Since her recovery, she has turned her journey into a platform for advocacy, using her story to empower others and highlight the urgent need for better support systems. She founded the #DumpTheScales campaign, which has received widespread recognition for calling out the harmful weight-focused approach to eating disorder treatment.
As an author and international speaker, Hope blends honesty with actionable insight. She speaks in schools, universities, workplaces and at government forums, educating audiences about eating disorders, resilience and recovery. Her authenticity, courage and tireless campaigning have made her a leading figure in mental health advocacy both in the UK and globally.
Speaking Topics
- Eating Disorder Awareness and Recovery
- Resilience and Overcoming Adversity
- Mental Health in Schools and Workplaces
- Advocacy and Campaigning for Change
- Personal Development and Self-Care
- Parents specific
- Managing your mental health
- Workplace wellbeing
- Recovery
- The story of me and my best friend, Anorexia
- Raising awareness & challenging the stigma
- Raising awareness & enabling our future generation to talk openly
Credentials & Impact
Hope Virgo’s influence as a mental health advocate is far-reaching. Her #DumpTheScales campaign has garnered widespread support, sparking debate in Parliament and securing national media coverage. This campaign directly challenged systemic flaws in how eating disorders are diagnosed and treated, calling for reform across healthcare services.
She has worked with organisations including schools, NHS trusts and corporate clients, providing training and talks that educate and empower individuals to better understand mental health and eating disorders. Her activism has been recognised with awards for her contributions to mental health awareness.
Hope is also a trusted voice in policy discussions, having spoken at government events and contributed to shaping mental health strategies. Her blend of lived experience and policy influence makes her a unique and impactful voice in the mental health field.
Publications & Media
Hope Virgo is the author of “Stand Tall Little Girl”, a memoir detailing her journey through anorexia and recovery, and “Hope with Eating Disorders”, a practical guide to supporting sufferers and their families. She has appeared on platforms including BBC, Sky News, ITV and The Guardian, and regularly contributes to podcasts, documentaries and wellbeing campaigns. Her books and media presence have cemented her role as a leading advocate in mental health.
Why book Hope Virgo?
Hope Virgo delivers talks that are both deeply moving and highly practical. By combining her lived experience with her campaigning expertise, she educates audiences on eating disorders, resilience and recovery, while inspiring hope for those affected. Her message is vital for schools, workplaces and healthcare organisations seeking to break down stigma and create supportive environments for wellbeing.
To book Hope Virgo to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.
