Centre for Anthropology and Mental Health Research in Action
About
The Centre for Anthropology and Mental Health Research in Action (CAMHRA) is a globally oriented and locally connected hub for cutting-edge anthropological research, education and public engagement on mental health.
Anthropology is the study of what it is to be human in a complex and changing world. As societies grapple to respond to the scale and complexity of mental health needs, CAMHRA contributes distinctly anthropological perspectives to a growing global understanding of how societies can understand mental distress and build effective systems of care.
By embedding themselves and ethnographic expertise within psychiatric institutions, anthropologists unlock deep insights into the challenges facing both service users and providers. This understanding drives meaningful innovations in mental health care, leading to more inclusive and effective approaches.
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Programmes and activities
Working with partners across academia, statutory healthcare, civil society and policy, and alongside services users and people with lived experience, CAMHRA’s work deepens understandings of the varied experiences of mental distress and therapeutic practice.
Meet our members
Find out who the members of the Centre for Anthropology and Mental Health Research in Action are
Study at CAMHRA
Study at CAMHRA is available at postgraduate, doctoral and postdoctoral levels, and as part of Continuing Professional Development programmes. We particularly welcome those from groups historically excluded from research, and those with lived experience of mental health services.
Collaborate with CAMHRA
CAMHRA welcomes collaborations with academic and non-academic partners. If you are interested in collaborating with CAMHRA, you can get in touch by sending an email to camhra@soas.ac.uk
- For researchers, please send a 1-2 page research proposal
- For non-researchers, please send a personal/organisational statement and a description of your proposed collaboration with CAMHRA
Partnership and funding
Funding for CAMHRA involves an initial investment from UKRI Research England’s Expanding Excellence in England Fund which identifies research units recognised as excellent and having the potential to grow. Funding will run for 5-years, commencing from the 2024-2025 academic year, to establish a sustainable increase in mental health research capacity.