Social Power and Mental Health: Evolving Research Through Lived Experience

Description

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Convenors

Andrew Deller
Ann Galpin
Ed Kiely
Graham Martin
Iliana Rokkou
Sam Strong
Social Power and Mental Health Steering Group

Keynote Speakers

Rai Waddingham
Imogen Tyler

Summary

This conference seeks to create dialogue between two forms of expertise. It will bring together people with lived experience of mental distress and researchers, with the aim of starting conversations between these two groups of experts. We also recognise that many people belong in both groups.

Our theme is the link between social power and mental health. Disempowered social groups are at an increased risk of mental distress. They are more likely to face difficult economic, social and environmental conditions. Gender, ethnicity, sexuality, disability and social class intersect with these. What are the latest research findings on these topics? How do they compare with lived experiences? When might research worsen mental distress? What kinds of methods can produce empowerment?

We will also reflect on the social context of mental health, power and inequality. While mental wellbeing is now being discussed widely, stigma remains significant. And people who are already disempowered are much more likely to be labelled ‘mentally ill’. How does stigma link to social power? What is the role of psychiatric services and the welfare state? How are power inequalities reinforced, and how can we challenge them? How do we work towards a future where everyone can openly share their lived experiences, be valued for their contribution and appropriately supported in their endeavours?

The conference has been designed with people who have used psychiatric services in Cambridgeshire. Our speakers include social scientists, psychiatrists, psychologists and service users/survivors. Throughout there will be group discussions with local people who have experience of mental distress.

Our intent is for people with lived experience to take the lead as we explore the many intersections between mental health and social power. The conference aims to place research expertise and the expertise of experience on an equal footing. We want to work together to find gaps in knowledge, and then outline a future research agenda to address these. How can we challenge power inequalities in, and through, research? And how can we evolve research by valuing lived experience?

Registration links for this conference can be found on the right of this page. ​

 

Supported by:
           

              

                                      

 

 #SocialPowerMH

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There will be British Sign Language and closed captions. If you have any other specific accessibility needs for this event, please do get in touch. We will do our best to accommodate your request.

Conference assistance: events@crassh.cam.ac.uk