Clarke Carlisle

Clarke Carlisle is a former professional footballer and television presenter whose honest and moving talks on mental health educate and inspire audiences. Over a 17-year career, Clarke played for clubs including Blackpool, Queens Park Rangers, Leeds United, Watford and Burnley, winning promotions with two clubs and playing at Wembley Stadium.

Unbeknown to him, Clarke spent 13 of those years battling Complex Depressive Disorder, developing destructive coping strategies that compounded his depression. Following two suicide attempts and treatment in a psychiatric hospital, Clarke received an accurate diagnosis and began his recovery journey. He now shares his story with candour and eloquence, breaking down stigma and encouraging others to take “small steps” towards wellbeing.

Clarke has represented England, served as PFA Chairman and appeared on BBC’s Question Time and Channel 4’s Countdown. He is an ambassador for the mental health charity Mind and the Premier League Kick It Out campaign, promoting inclusion and equality in football. Clarke has also produced two documentaries, Football’s Suicide Secret and Is Football Racist?, and authored his autobiography, A Footballer’s Life.

In addition, Clarke founded the Clarke Carlisle Foundation for Dual Diagnosis, aiming to provide treatment for those living with both mental illness and substance misuse. His talks are ideal for organisations looking to inspire, educate and start meaningful conversations around mental health and wellbeing.

Clarke openly discusses his struggles with depression, mental health issues, and his battle with alcohol, gambling, and the pressures of top-flight football. As a powerful keynote speaker, Clarke, often joined by his wife Carrie, provides an honest and moving account of his mental health journey, working to break down the stigma around these issues. They deliver powerful, emotional, educational and inspiring speeches together as they offer the dual insight to what it is like to live with a mental illness and what it is like to live with someone with a mental illness.