Inaugural Lecture - Professor Divine Charura

Mental Health and Trauma Across the Lifespan: Advancing Recovery, Inclusion and Human Flourishing

This event will be in person

Join Professor Divine Charura for his inaugural lecture exploring how experiences of trauma shape mental health across the lifespan, and how inclusive, compassionate, evidence‑informed approaches can transform psychotherapeutic practice. Drawing on his nationally funded and international research, alongside his clinical work as a practitioner psychologist and psychotherapist, he will examine the intersections of trauma, identity, and inequality. He will also reflect on his collaborations with the NHS and global organisations, outlining pathways that foster recovery, connection, and human flourishing.

This lecture will offer compelling insights into advancing trauma‑informed, relational and inclusive mental‑health practice for diverse communities. Finally, the lecture will reflect on the significance of his recognition in HM The King’s New Year Honours List (2026) for services to inclusion and the advancement of counselling and psychotherapy in research and practice. It offers an inspiring vision of how the psychological therapies and mental health professions can continue to advance in evidence‑informed practice and respond creatively, ethically, and courageously to contemporary challenges, while also encouraging each of us to nurture our own mental health, strengthen our relationships, and play an active role in promoting social justice.