Omar Laftah
Published researcher and lived experience advisor specializing in mental health, counselling, and ecopsychology
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About
Published researcher and lived experience advisor specializing in mental health, counselling, and ecopsychology. Among the few UK undergraduates to publish two sole-authored peer-reviewed papers before graduation. Experienced in NIHR advisory work, group facilitation, counselling, and service-user engagement.
Vice Chair of Health Innovation for the SDE CAB Lived Experience Panel and active contributor to psychosis and neurodiversity research. Graduate member of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Experience
Steering Committee Member - NIHR
(2024-01)
Member of 10 Lived Experience Advisory Panels (LEAPs) across mental health and neurodiversity, contributing to research design, patient involvement, and knowledge exchange
Volunteer - Therapy and Social Change (TaSC)
(2024-01)
Supported co-creation of inclusive, socially just spaces for dialogue and therapeutic practice
- Article on eco-relaxation featured in Mental Health in Schools: A Young Person's Right Manifesto
Volunteer Group Chat Monitor - UK SMART Recovery
(2024-01 - 2025-12)
- Monitored online meetings to ensure safety and constructive participation
- Shared recovery resources and promoted the SMART 4-Point Program
Social Support Groups Worker - North Staffs Mind
(2009-01 - 2015-12)
- Facilitated twice-weekly support groups using person-centred and REBT-informed approaches
- Provided empathic listening, crisis containment, and structured problem-solving
- Liaised with healthcare professionals and supported safeguarding procedures
- Promoted community mental-health services and service-user engagement
Group Worker - Rethink Mental Illness
(2010-01 - 2010-12)
- Facilitated day-service activities to build service-user resilience, confidence, and self-acceptance
- Delivered structured group sessions using recovery-oriented and person-centred techniques
Education
MA - International Relations - University of Staffordshire (2026-09 - 2028-09)
Postgraduate Certificate - Investigation Practice - University of Staffordshire (2026-01 - 2026-09)
BSc (Hons) - Psychology & Counselling - University of Staffordshire (2022-01 - 2025-12)
Cert (HE) - Sports, Exercise & Psychology - University of Staffordshire (2021-01 - 2022-12)
Cert (HE) - Arts & Humanities - The Open University (2020-01 - 2021-12)
