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David Anderson - Pep The Poet

David Anderson: Speaker - Author - Poet

The Well-being Champion who helps to address self-centred fear and anxiety. Your mind matters, so take care of it!

David Anderson is a former deputy headteacher with over 35 years of experience in education.

He brings a calm, credible voice to the issues many students are facing today. His background in leadership, teaching and pastoral care ensures that he connects with young people in a way that feels honest, respectful and effective.

With over 25 years of lived experience in 12-step recovery, David shares his journey from alcohol addiction to a life of purpose and sobriety. His honest and relatable story helps teenagers understand the risks of addiction, resist peer pressure, and make more confident choices—especially when facing temptation or feeling like they don’t fit in.

What David offers:

Overcoming Anxiety and Low Self-Esteem - David helps students understand how fear shows up, how it affects their thinking and what they can do to manage it in practical ways.

Re-engaging Disengaged Pupils - He works particularly well with young people who may feel disconnected from school life, helping them reconnect with a sense of purpose and self-belief

Supporting Transitions and Change - Whether moving from primary to secondary or preparing for life beyond school, David provides simple strategies to help students feel more confident and in control.

Managing Exam Stress and Pressure - David teaches clear techniques to help students handle pressure, build resilience and stay focused during exams and assessments.

Why Schools Work with David:

  • Over three decades of school experience as a teacher and senior leader
  • Workshops and talks that are calm, thoughtful and rooted in real-life understanding
  • Flexible delivery for assemblies, small groups or year group sessions
  • Clear outcomes that support your school's well-being and personal development priorities
  • To book David for a well-being day, PSHE focus, INSET or transition support

Testimonials from Teachers

"Following an increase with pupils at our school needing support to regulate their mental wellbeing, we invited Pep along to hold some workshops to support pupils in Key Stage 2. They were a huge success and the pupils really valued the time he spent with them. They were able to use the strategies effectively in their classrooms and less incidents were then reported. We then asked Pep to develop a staff workshop on mental health wellbeing which, again, had huge impact on the wellbeing of our staff.


Our staff truly valued the experience and were appreciative of having time spent discussing their needs and support for themselves. Following the success for our school community, Pep also delivered a workshop for our MAC conference in which many staff from around St Francis and St Clare attended. We will continue to work with Pep for the foreseeable future due to the extremely positive impact he has had on our entire school community."

– Mrs Kerry Cox, Vice Principal, St Mary’s RC Primary

"We have had the privilege to work with Pep on a number of projects over the last couple of years and on all occasions, he has delivered above and beyond.


Pep’s dedication to his craft and innate talent for connecting with his audience makes him a standout choice for any public speaking role.

Pep exudes professionalism in every aspect of his work. He always arrives on time, well prepared with bundles of energy to motivate and inspire his audience. He has a unique talent for engaging and connecting with the audience. Whether it's through storytelling, humor, or profound insights.

In conclusion, Pep is an exemplary creative expert who combines professionalism, engaging communication, and extensive subject knowledge to create a lasting impact on his audiences. Pep is a pleasure to work with."

– Louise Rose, Creative Development Lead, Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles

"Pep the Poet's journey of overcoming his self-worth demons and openly addressing the deceptive nature of fear in his presentation to our company employees has been truly inspirational. His willingness to share his experiences and emotions resonates with many who can relate to his struggles. Pep reminds us that it's perfectly okay not to be okay and that open dialogue about our feelings is crucial for healing and growth. His courage is a beacon of hope for anyone facing similar challenges."



– Jenny Bradley, Operations Manager, Executive Training & Consultancy Ltd

"Pep's keynote was nothing short of a breath of fresh air in our Trust's journey towards understanding and embracing mental health. With a blend of humour and heartfelt honesty, he didn't just speak – he resonated with many of us. His personal story, told with such authenticity, not only touched our hearts but also opened our eyes to the reality and importance of mental well-being.

His strategies weren't just words; they were lifelines thrown with a poet's grace. Simple, practical, and rooted in everyday life, they gave us tools to navigate our own turbulent waters. Pep has this incredible knack for making serious talk feel like a chat with an old friend – the kind that leaves you a little more enlightened and a lot more hopeful.

But the real magic happened in the echoes of his words. Staff members found the courage to reach out, to seek help, and to embrace their own stories, all thanks to Pep's inspiring session. His impact went beyond the applause; it sparked action and for some a sense of healing

In a nutshell, Pep was the poet our mental health conversation needed – insightful, engaging, and unapologetically real. A big thank you from all of us for not just sharing your wisdom but for lighting a path with it."

– Ben Davis, CEO , St Martin's Multi-Academy Trust

Speaker File

Location

Staffordshire

Topics

  • Creative
  • PHSCE
  • Well-being
  • Teacher CPD
  • Drugs/Alcohol
  • Mental Health
  • Conference
  • Happiness

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