STRENGTH IN
VULNERABILITY.
Giving back through my life-changing experiences.
My name is Ricky Nuttall.
I’m a firefighter, mental health advocate, motivational speaker, and content creator.
I’ve been a firefighter and technical rescue specialist for the London Fire Brigade for 16 years.
This website encapsulates my story; my journey through PTSD and road to recovery, and everything I have learnt and continue to learn along the way.
About Me.
I was one of over 250 first-responders who were called to the fire at Grenfell Tower, on the 14th June 2017. The fire tragically claimed the lives of 72 residents and injured over 70 more.
I suffered from PTSD as a result of the life-changing decisions I had to make that night, as well as carrying the weight of previous traumatic incidents over a long career.
With a new perspective, I am now a mental health advocate and public voice, focusing on raising awareness on the importance of social and workplace mental health and well-being.
My Why.
I want to demonstrate to people that we can find strength in the places that I once couldn’t. That we can overcome obstacles in ways I once didn’t know existed. That through embracing and accepting our weaknesses we can understand ourselves better. To be brutally honest with yourself and allow people to see the real you.
I call this; Strength in Vulnerability.
I believe this can contribute to a more positive and resilient society. Where people feel better about themselves. Where we don’t rely on fleeting moments of validation from strangers. Because all too often, a simple selection of seemingly harmless choices can lead to personal insecurities. This in turn can lead to a lack of self-confidence when validation doesn’t arrive.
I believe if I can heal and if I can drag myself out of the darkness of depression and PTSD, so can anyone.
WHO AM I?
MEDIA APPEARANCES.
CREATIVE CONTENT.
The Firefighter
FEATURES & INTERVIEWS
Speaking with the wonderful Jo Good about my poetry and the events at Grenfell Tower
PODCASTS
TESTIMONIALS.
"Ricky was a guest speaker at our ‘Time to Talk Day’. His talk and Q&A was exceptional, he communicated harrowing and deeply personal experiences in such an authentic and accessible way.
No subject is off-limits, he puts the audience at ease and masterfully makes talking about such a stigmatised subject matter feel normal.
I really can’t recommend Ricky highly enough. If your workplace takes mental health seriously then talking about it is crucial and inviting Ricky in to encourage that dialogue could make a real difference."
— Rory Kidger, Head of Portfolio Delivery, UK Civil Aviation Authority & Board Member at Mind in Kingston
"Ricky blew me away. His story, his delivery and his willingness to be vulnerable had me and the audience hooked.
I've heard a lot of speakers in the past but Ricky really had a huge impact on me. Highly recommended!"
— Paul McGregor, Founder of Everymind at Work
CONTACT ME.
If you would like to contact me about bookings to speak at your event, collaborating on content, or to talk about mental health and well-being related issues, please use the form below and I will respond ASAP.
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Kids On The Green CIC
Kids On The Green was started as an emergency response to the fire at Grenfell Tower. The intention was to create a retreat for kids and families away from the horror of Latimer road.
The project has steadily grown into a community recovery resource and delivers a fusion of arts and nature workshops alongside therapies and wellbeing.
KOTG will soon have its funding dramatically reduced due to council cuts for Grenfell recovery. Your support is greatly appreciated to raise badly needed revenue for this project so that KOTG can continue to do what they do.