From addiction to advocacy - Dr. Brian Pennie honoured for outstanding contribution to wellbeing

We were delighted to honour Dr. Brian Pennie as this year’s KeepWell Mark ‘Outstanding Contribution to Wellbeing’ award recipient at the Leading in Wellbeing Lunch on 1 May last. Through his work as a speaker, author, neuroscientist and resilience coach, Dr. Pennie is challenging stigma, leading meaningful conversations, and supporting mental wellness across society.

“If I went back 15 years ago, I was in the depths of heroin addiction. Now to be here today and feel like I belong is an amazing thing”, Dr Pennie said at the ceremony attended by 250 members of the KeepWell community.

Brian spent years entrenched in the depths of addiction, before hitting rock bottom, and embarking upon the recovery journey, that would ultimately lead him to personal and academic success. Embracing this second chance wholeheartedly, Brian enrolled in university, achieved a PHD in Neuroscience, became a published author & lecturer, and developed a resilience and wellness coaching programme working with top companies of all sizes across the country. Most recently in the public eye as host of the 3-part RTE documentary series, Hooked, Brian has been working to highlight how both substances and modern addictions are rewiring our brains, but that change is possible.

His voice continues to break stigma, encourage compassion, and bring science-based insights to the forefront of wellbeing conversations. His unwavering commitment to supporting others in their mental health journeys has left a profound and lasting impact across Ireland and beyond. Through his talks, writings, and teachings, Dr. Pennie continues to inspire individuals to overcome their challenges and pursue meaningful, fulfilling lives, and drive workplace wellbeing through organisational programmes.

The Outstanding Contribution to Wellbeing Award recognises individuals and organisations for their exceptional efforts in promoting and supporting workplace wellbeing. It specifically acknowledges achievements in establishing and implementing effective wellbeing programmes, their impact on employees and overall organisational wellbeing. Brian joins the prestigious list of previous award recipients that includes Barbara Brennan, mental health and human rights advocate, and workplace mental health policy specialist; Brent Pope, mental health advocate and rugby pundit; and Suicide or Survive, mental health and suicide prevention charity.

Click here to see the full list of KeepWell Mark award-winners.

Ibec offers a range of services to formally assist companies of all sizes to establish or further develop their wellbeing strategies and frameworks. With more than a decade of experience, Ibec possesses in-depth knowledge of the practical realities of delivering successful workplace wellbeing programmes. For companies starting out, Ibec Consulting can offer a 1.5-day facilitated workshop to design a tailored employee wellbeing strategy. For companies requiring training in specific areas, the Ibec Academy provides a host of relevant courses. For companies seeking validation, The KeepWell Mark offers auditing and benchmarking against a set of recognised standards across eight critical areas of wellbeing.

To find out more about these services visit ibecconsulting.ie, ibecacademy.ie or thekeepwellmark.ie