MICHAEL RICHARDS

Dr. MICHAEL RICHARDS is a Senior Lecturer in Applied Health and Social Care at Edge Hill University's Allied Health, Social Work & Wellbeing School. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in Community Psychology, Mental Health, and Marginalized Voices advocacy. He holds a PhD in Community Psychology (Manchester Metropolitan University) and is a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society.

Education:

• Health Psychology MSc (Liverpool John Moores University, 2019)
• Community Psychology PhD (Manchester Metropolitan University, 2014)
• Community Psychology MSc (Manchester Metropolitan University, 2009)
• Psychology BSc (Manchester Metropolitan University, 2008)

Research Interests: Intersectional research in community psychology, posthumanism, disability studies, and participatory methodologies. He emphasizes collaborative projects with marginalized groups using art, poetry, and drama to amplify their voices.

Teaching & Leadership: Programme Leader for BSc Child and Adolescent Mental Health & Wellbeing. Supervised over 25 MSc dissertations and currently guides PhD students. Member of ethics, employability, and programme development committees.

Awards:

• Shortlisted for Student Led Awards (Edge Hill University, 3x)
• Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society
• Former Chair of the Community Psychology Section (British Psychological Society, 2022–2024)

Labs & Engagement: Associate Editor of the Journal of Community, Work & Family and Occasional Editor for Disability & Society. External Examiner at four HEIs. Founded the 'Manpowered' men's health group and contributed to projects promoting mental health and disability rights.