A free event at The Hive library will bring expert talks, interactive workshops and hands-on activities together, including the chance to take part in a mock jury decision-making exercise.
The event, on 1 July 10am-3.30pm, is being held by the University of Worcester’s School of Health and Wellbeing and will give people the chance to connect with cutting-edge research from the University.
Visitors can build their own experience across the day, choosing from a programme of themed talks and practical sessions, while also exploring a dedicated marketplace space. Here, attendees will be able to meet researchers face-to-face, see live demonstrations and learn more about the work taking place across the University.
Organised by the University’s School of Health and Wellbeing, the event will include topics such as dementia care, criminology, mental health, wellbeing and social justice, all presented in an accessible and engaging way.
Dr Naomi Lee, Lecturer in Psychology and event organiser, said: “We want to create a genuine two-way conversation, where people can learn about our research and help shape where we go next based on what matters to them.”
She added: “The whole event is aimed at the people of Worcestershire. Anyone with an interest is welcome, regardless of their background, and there’s no expectation of prior academic knowledge.”
Attendees will be able to explore a wide range of subjects, take part in interactive activities, and speak directly with researchers about their work and its real-world impact.
Dr Lee said: “Crucially, the day is as much about listening as it is about sharing. We want people to tell us about the kind of research they’d like to see, so we can ensure our work reflects the issues that matter most to people’s lives.”
Highlights from the programme include a series of bite-sized talks on Living Well with Dementia and Disability, delivered by experts from the University’s Association for Dementia Studies.
Another session will explore inequality, inclusion, and who the system works for, examining how everyday experiences can create harm and highlighting the realities faced by Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities.
The event will also address the mental health crisis through a session titled Coping, Caring & Thriving in Modern Life, covering topics such as bipolar conditions across pregnancy and menopause, unmet needs in rural areas, and autism in adults.
Booking Your Events:
All events are at The Hive Library on Wednesday 1st July 2026. Please book onto your selected events using the following links:
10:00-10:30 - Djembe for Dementia
Get hands on with Djembe drums in this interactive workshop aimed at people living with dementia and those who support them. Led by Mary-Joy Albutt from the University of Worcester's Association for Dementia Studies
10:30-11:20 - Living Well with Dementia and Disability
This series of short talks is presented by the University of Worcester's School of Health and Wellbeing and will consider ageing, care, independence, dignity, and quality of life.
Heather Chapman - What are Wheelchair Users Saying About Nutrition?
Christopher Russell - Dementia, Hobbies, and Living Life.
Thomas Morton - Providing Personal Care in Families Affected by Dementia
Nicola Jacobson-Wright - Namaste Care: Supporting People with Advanced Dementia and at End of Life
11:30-12:10 - Mock Jury Decision-Making Exercise
Join Sarah Lloyd from the University of Worcester's School of Health and Wellbeing for an interactive workshop in which you'll get to be part of a mock jury panel.
12:15-13:00 - Inequality, Inclusion, and Who the System Works For
This series of short talks will consider marginalisation, access, trust in services, and community voice.
Jess Howdle- Public Involvement in Health Research at the University of Worcester
Mikahil Azad- The Cost of Service: How Everyday Encounters Can Produce Harm
Peter Unwin- Everything You Wanted to Know About Gypsies, Roma, and Travellers
13:30-15:30 - The Mental Health Crisis - Coping, Caring and Thriving in Modern Life
This series of talks will consider rising mental health needs, lived experience, prevention, stigma, and inequality.
Amy Perry and Kath Gordon Smith - From Pregnancy to Menopaus: Bipolar Disorder Across Reproductive Life Events
Krista Easton- Autistic Spectrum Traits in Adults with Bipolar Disorder
William Geddes- Schizotypy: An Evolutionary Explanation
10 Minute Break
Molly Miley and Chris Poyner- Tackling Health Inequalities and Unmet Rural Mental Health Needs
Denisse Levermore- Supporting Infant Mental Health Through Attunement and Collaboration in Worcestershire
Rebecca Weston & Angela Hodgkins- Stressed, Busy, But Still Here: What ACT Can Offer Teacher Wellbeing