The Shiplake College Wellbeing Day is for parents or carers of teenagers (or soon to be teenagers) looking for advice and practical strategies to help their young adults thrive! 

We bring together a range of specialists to offer their expert advice on some of the challenges facing our teens - and the wider family. We hope this slice of calm, relaxation and knowledge will help you kick-start the year in a positive and informed way!

Plus ALL proceeds from ticket sales for this event will be going to our PAWS FOR THOUGHT FUND - our programme to raise funds for a new Wellbeing Centre at the College. 

To find out more about the event and to book your tickets, click here.

We are excited to introduce you to our speakers and session leaders: 

Keynote Speaker - Alicia Drummond: Teenage Resilience

Alicia is a BACP-accredited therapist, parenting expert, author, and sought-after keynote speaker, known for her commitment to improving the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.

She provides evidence-based advice to parents, teachers, caregivers empowering them to take a proactive role in supporting the young people in their care. Alicia also works directly with children and adolescents, helping them develop the skills and confidence to manage their own mental health and wellbeing.

Her work is grounded in the latest research from psychotherapy, psychology, and neuroscience, combined with over a decade of experience as an adolescent therapist. 

Alicia is a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for a Fit and Healthy Childhood and the Coalition on Youth Mental Health in Schools and is frequently invited to share her expert insights in the media. 

In 2020, Alicia founded The Wellbeing Hub, an award-winning digital platform offering schools a whole-school, preventative approach to mental health. Now supporting over 300 schools and reaching more than 170,000 students across the globe, 

The Wellbeing Hub delivers high-quality resources, webinars, and training for parents, carers, educators, and students. Alicia’s work continues to shape national conversations around child and adolescent wellbeing, making her a trusted voice in the field.

Q&A with Dr Shilpa McQuillan: Menopause and Perimenopause

Dr Shilpa is local to Henley and deeply passionate about supporting women in her community. She provides expert, personalised care, helping women feel confident, informed, and supported at every stage of life. A familiar voice locally, she is a regular guest on BBC Berks, Radio 2, and 5 Live, and a columnist for Henley Life and the Henley Standard.

Dr Shilpa is a dual-trained women’s health GP and community gynaecologist, a BMS accredited specialist and Advisory Council member, and a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (FRCOG). She is passionate about ensuring women receive the most up-to-date, accurate information so they can feel confident, informed, and supported in their health.

Q&A:

Join us for a special menopause and perimenopause Q&A with Dr Shilpa McQuillan, founder of Berkshire Menopause Clinic in Henley.

Perimenopause and menopause affect everyone differently, and with many women juggling work, family, and caring for others—the “sandwich generation”—it’s important to have care and support for you too.

Dr Shilpa will share practical, evidence-based tips to help you feel supported, and answer some of those niggling questions we all want to ask!

Rima Clayton: Teen skin from Acne to Sun Damage

Consultant Dermatologist with over 25 years’ experience in looking after patients with skin conditions. Passionate about working with teenagers to help them feel in control and take charge of their skin. With the ever-increasing pressures that they face, acne is something that we can treat and give them back their confidence. 

Previously, Rima was the clinical lead for dermatology at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. 5 years ago she built Derma Reading, a highly respected dermatology clinic led by Consultant Dermatologists.  

At Derma, they understand that acne isn’t just about your skin — it’s about how it makes you feel about yourself, your confidence, and even your mental health. We know the pressures that teenagers face today, especially in a world shaped by social media and unrealistic standards of perfection. Rima wants to spread the word that acne is treatable. No one size fits all and we can find the right solution for each individual. 

Rima’s session will include:

Understanding Teenage skin, practical solutions to treat Acne and a deep dive into Sun Damage. 

Michelle Smith: Fuelling the teenage body - Nutrition

Michelle is a registered Nutritional Therapist and the founder of Forage Nutrition; a practice rooted in evidence-based nutrition with a whole-body approach to health. In her clinic Michelle sees a range of clients with diverse health needs but has a special interest in supporting teenagers - whether those involved in high level sports, managing exams or navigating neurodiversity.

She combines clinical expertise with empathy, working closely with each client to uncover root causes and create realistic, sustainable plans. Her practice draws on the latest scientific research while honouring natural principles. Her approach emphasizes education, empowerment and practical advice to help families develop sustainable habits that enhance physical performance, cognitive function and emotional well-being.

Based in Berkshire, she also offers online consultations to clients across the UK. Michelle is a member of BANT and registered with the CNHC.

Michelle’s Session will include:

Practical advice and tips on Teenage nutrition to support better health, sleep and sporting commitments. 

Rory Abery: Unlocking ADHD

Rory Abery is a speaker, coach, and proud ADHD individual who has learned to harness his neurodivergence as a genuine strength. Drawing on years of personal experience and a deep interest in the neuroscience behind attention, motivation, and behaviour, Rory delivers engaging talks that blend lived insight with clear, actionable strategies for managing ADHD in real-world settings.

After navigating significant challenges during his own school years, Rory developed an understanding of ADHD that transformed both his self-perception and his success. He now dedicates his work to helping young people, educators, parents and organisations recognise the hidden advantages of ADHD—creativity, resilience, hyperfocus, and innovative thinking—while also providing practical tools to overcome the day-to-day difficulties it can bring. 

Rory’s Session will include:

Rory’s presentations are known for their authenticity, relatability, and emotional impact. His talks have already left a strong impression on students and staff, who praised the session for shifting perceptions, reducing stigma, and empowering neurodiverse pupils to see their potential in a new light.

Rory will discuss the day to day challenges and advantages of ADHD, and how language around it can make a big difference. 

Simon Faulkner: Safety Abroad/Gap Years, Festivals and Beyond

After backpacking around the world for six years, Simon went on to build a 32‑year career in Law Enforcement with the Metropolitan Police, later specialising as a Security Advisor for the National Crime Agency. His work took him across the globe, including four years in Kenya mentoring the Kenyan Police and travelling extensively through Africa. 

Today, Simon trains UK diplomats before they deploy to embassies and high‑risk environments. He has also set up My Travel Safety where he uses his expertise to run bespoke safety courses for young people heading off on Gap Years or to university. 

His sessions are engaging, practical, and deeply reassuring - a must‑hear for any parent or carer with a young person preparing to spread their wings. 

We hope you will join us at The Shiplake College Wellbeing Day on Saturday 31 January 2026 - it is set to be an insightful and engaging event. You can book you tickets here. Bookings close on Monday 26 January 2026.