Mental health and wellbeing across contexts: Research, practice and lived experience

This seminar series aims to place equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) at the heart of mental health and wellbeing research. 

Curated by Elisabeth Herbert (Associate Professor; IOE Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead), the series brings together researchers, clinicians and early‑career scholars to examine how mental health is shaped by systems, environments, identities, and inequalities across the lifespan.

All UCL staff and students are welcome to attend. Seminars will all be held online via Teams, with captions enabled.

Programme

The physical built environment and mental health and wellbeing

• When: Monday 11 May 2026, 13:30–14:15
• Speaker(s): Dr Marta Francesconi, Associate Professor of Psychology, UCL Institute of Education

This talk explores how features of the physical built environment, such as urban design, green space, pollution, and neighbourhood characteristics, shape mental health and cognitive development.

The session highlights how environmental effects are patterned by inequality, vulnerability, and stage of development, and considers implications for inclusive policy and practice.

Mapping the gaps: Mental health needs, risks, and vulnerabilities among UK university students

• When: Tuesday 12 May 2026, 13:30–14:15
• Speaker(s): Dr Vassilis Sideropoulos, Developmental Psychologist, UCL Institute of Education

This talk examines the mental health needs of UK university students, identifying who is most at risk, how vulnerabilities intersect with neurodiversity and substance use, and where current support systems fall short.

It considers how universities can respond more equitably to student mental health needs.

Understanding eating disorders: What they are, why they develop, and how we can help

• When: Wednesday 13 May 2026, 13:30–14:15
• Speaker(s): Dr Amy Harrison, Associate Professor of Psychology and Clinical Psychologist, UCL Institute of Education

This session provides an accessible overview of eating disorders, exploring psychological and social factors involved in their development and offering guidance on recognising warning signs, responding supportively, and promoting recovery.

The role of schools in promoting students’ wellbeing and belonging: A framework for break and lunchtimes 

• When: Thursday 14 May 2026, 13:30–14:15
• Speaker(s): Dr Amelia Roberts, Head of Department of Psychology and Human Development, UCL Institute of Education

Drawing on the Supporting Wellbeing, Emotional Resilience and Learning (SWERL) programme, this talk explores whole‑system approaches to wellbeing in schools, with a focus on inclusive practice during unstructured times such as breaks and lunchtimes.

‘It is like swimming in the sea’: The impact of creative education on young people’s mental health and wellbeing 

• When: Friday 15 May 2026, 13:30–14:15
• Speaker(s): Thaina Matmati, Research Assistant, UCL Institute of Education; Sude Işıl Baştuğ, Research Assistant, Creativity for All Project

This final session presents findings from the Creativity for All study, exploring how participation in free, community‑based creative education supports young people’s mental health, connection, and confidence, particularly for those experiencing social and educational inequalities.

How do I join a seminar?

Please email Elisabeth Herbert <elisabeth.herbert@ucl.ac.uk> for the link to join the seminar of your choice and if you have any accessibility needs.

Related links

• Department of Psychology and Human Development

Image

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