The ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health develops research to promote and sustain good mental health in communities. We aim to shift public debate about mental health away from a focus on individualised interventions, towards social practices and policies that promote and sustain good mental health. We would like all events to be inclusive and accessible to all.

The ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health’s Seminar Series brings together a unique mix of disciplines and expertise to explore the relationship between society and mental health.

The seminar sessions are free and open to all, regardless of level of familiarity or experience with the topics presented. They are attended by researchers, people with lived experience, policymakers, practitioners, community organisations and more.

Please see below details of our past and upcoming sessions.

Recordings of some of our seminars in this series are uploaded to our YouTube channel.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates about future seminars in this series.

 

Programme Overview

2026

Wednesday 11 February, 16.00: Young people in coastal communities and mental health
Dr Emily Murray, Director and Reader, Centre for Coastal Communities, University of Essex

Wednesday 4 March, 14.00: The over-diagnosis debate: political tropes versus population research 
Professor Susan McPherson, Deputy Director of the Institute of Public Health and Wellbeing, University of Essex

AND Psychosocial support for parents experiencing infant removal via family justice processes- addressing complex grief and trauma
Dr Danny Taggart, Reader, School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex

Wednesday 13 May, 16.00: The pervasive and enduring effects of racism on health
Professor Laia Becares, Professor of Social Science and Health, King's College London