About Us

Project Lead & Research Clinical Psychologist

​

Dr Clem Edwards is a research clinical psychologist and leads the project which is funded by her Wellcome Early Career Award. She has been working in anhedonia for many years, with most of her clinical and research experience in the field of psychosis research. Clem is a Mum of toddler twins, and enjoys going to her local running club and book group – both based at the pub.

Research Assistant

​

Chloe is a research assistant on this project. She completed a BSc in Psychology at the University of Warwick and a MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience at UCL. Chloe’s interest in interdisciplinary mental health research was sparked through a project exploring feelings of disembodiment in Depersonalisation-Derealisation (DPDR) and she is passionate about improving access to research careers for underrepresented communities as well as creating inclusive and creative means of science communication.   

Research Assistant & BSc Psychology Graduate

​

Lola is a recent BSc Psychology graduate with a strong interest in clinical psychology. She contributed to the project as a research assistant, drawing on her academic training and personal motivation to support people experiencing mental health difficulties. Her long-term goal is to train as a clinical psychologist, and she is especially interested in neurodiversity and improving access to psychological support. Outside of research, she enjoys long walks, baking and spending time with friends and family. 

LEAP Member

Nicola is a Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Consultant who has been actively engaged with King’s College London for the past seven years. She previously participated in the AVATAR1 research therapy, an experience she describes as life-changing. Clips from her sessions have been shared internationally to raise awareness and understanding of the therapy. Nicola also collaborated with the Wellcome Trust to produce a short video—available on YouTube—in which she discusses AVATAR therapy and her experiences and challenges living with schizophrenia.

I am a Lived Experience Researcher and Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Consultant based in London. I use my personal insights to ensure that the research aligns with the needs of the mental health community. My hobbies include nights out at the theatre, going on adventures and being a bucket list enthusiast! I'm also a writer and poet, which is one of the reasons I enjoy being part of The Anhedonia Project as it gives us the opportunity to express ourselves creatively, making it easier to share both our personal experiences and our research. This helps create greater accessibility for people to share their stories and gain easier access to relevant information.

Placement Student & BSc Psychology Student

Cara is an undergraduate psychology student currently completing a placement on this project. She has a strong interest in mental health, particularly psychosis, and hopes to pursue a career in clinical psychology. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, running, baking, and travelling to new places.

LEAP Member

​

Vidhi is a Lived Experience Advisor who brings extensive academic training, personal insight, and a multidisciplinary approach to mental health research. Her work is shaped by a deep commitment to making mental health systems more inclusive, informed, and compassionate. Outside of her professional life, Vidhi enjoys baking intricate desserts, painting and taking long walks with her two beloved rescue dogs.

LEAP Member

​

Julian is an equality, diversity and mental health lived experience consultant with 20yrs experience working in these areas. His identity as a passionate campaigner for human rights stems from his own mental illness (he has clinical depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety Disorder) and autism and from the life of his brother, Danny, who had Down Syndrome and who passed away in 1996. 

Trainee Clinical Psychologist  

Dr Alister Baird completed completed his PhD at UCL, researching how physical environments impact neurodiverse children’s socio-emotional development. He later held a postdoctoral research role exploring digital tools for mental health and is now training as a Doctor of Clinical Psychology at KCL, where he researches virtual reality (VR) interventions for depression, anhedonia, and psychosis. Outside work, he enjoys nature and continues to fail at learning to serve in tennis.

LEAP Member

​​

Sarah is a part-time Librarian, artist, and Lived Experience Advisor with seven years’ experience working with organisations including the NHS, King’s College London, and UCL on projects such as AVATAR 2 and 3, The Anhedonia Project, and OPAL Carer Peer Support.

She brings both personal insight—living with Generalised Anxiety Disorder—and a carer’s perspective to her work. In her spare time, she enjoys playing in a ukulele group, painting, and a good cup of tea.

LEAP Member

Amin cares for  his elderly parents and a committed advocate for vulnerable and marginalised communities. He has been working closely with people experiencing homelessness, refugees, and asylum seekers, helping to bridge the gap between these groups and the care they deserve. Amin also enjoys volunteering with his local food bank, supporting efforts to tackle food insecurity and ensure everyone has access to basic essentials.

LEAP Member

​

Alison is a Lived Experience Advisor currently contributing to The Anhedonia Project. She supports research by drawing on her own experiences to help shape more meaningful and relevant mental health studies.

LEAP Member  

​

Hameed is a public and patient representative and also his vocational background is teaching and community development 

LEAP Member