Global workplace mental health summit returns to Edinburgh: date and details

The People First Summit, delivered by charity Change Mental Health and global workplace wellbeing specialist Wellbeing at Work, will bring together local, national and global businesses and organisations.

The event, due to be hosted by NatWest Group at its Gogarburn base in Edinburgh on November 23, will include leadership roundtable discussions, presentations and keynote speeches. Major companies and organisations involved with the summit include NHS Scotland, Aegon, Royal Mail, the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and the University of Edinburgh.

Jonny Cobbold, director of development at Change Mental Health, said: “We’ve spent over five decades supporting individuals, families and communities across Scotland. Much of that work has focused on helping people during moments of crisis when they are at their most vulnerable. But what if people had the tools, confidence and culture around them to maintain their wellbeing before things reached breaking point?

“This is why we are partnering with Wellbeing at Work for the second annual People First Summit, ensuring that we are providing a platform for employers to learn, connect and engage, and to create thriving cultures and workplaces.”

Michael Macinnes, wellbeing manager at NatWest Group, said: “NatWest Group is honoured to be hosting the 2026 People First Summit in Edinburgh.

“As an organisation, we recognise the important role that Change Mental Health plays in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and supporting communities across the country. We’ve seen their work first hand, which gave us a valuable insight into their impact and it inspired us to become more involved in supporting their mission.”

Research from Deloitte shows that for every £1 spent on mental health, employers see an average return of £4.70 through reduced absence, turnover and improved productivity.

Chris Cummings, chief executive of Wellbeing at Work, who is due to deliver an introductory speech on the day, said: “I’m particularly excited to be partnering and working with the excellent team at Change Mental Health once more, who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the event. It really will be a day not to miss.”