What to expect at this year’s virtual NHS APA Conference 2025

Breaking Barriers: How stigma undermines support and connection - and what we can do about it

On Thursday 27th November 2025, professionals from across the UK will gather online for the NHS Addictions Provider Alliance’ Annual Conference. It is a fully virtual, free event exploring how stigma continues to shape the experiences of people experiencing addiction, and what we can collectively do to dismantle it.

This year’s theme, Breaking Barriers, brings together lived experience, research, frontline practice, community organisations, academics and national system leaders. Across a day of sessions, panellists and keynotes will share insight into what stigma looks like today, how it impacts individuals and families, and where meaningful, system-wide change is already happening.

A powerful start: our morning keynote speaker - Mel Ball

The day opens with a welcome statement at 9:30am from Dr Emily Finch, followed by a keynote speech from Mel Ball, Director for Lived Experience at the Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust (MPFT).

Mel’s career began as a peer worker in therapeutic communities and spans CAMHS, adult inpatient services, high-secure settings and voluntary sector roles. Her leadership in developing the lived experience workforce and embedding co-production across services positions her perfectly to set the tone for the day.

Mel will be joined for a live panel by:

• Ben Parker - Advanced Lived Experience Practitioner, CNWL

• Darren Murinas - Chief Executive, Expert Citizens CIC

Their stories and expertise bring vital, grounded perspective to the morning conversation.

Research, lived experience and creative perspectives

Throughout the day, delegates can expect live talks from speakers, and some sessions include a live chat and Q&A.

Some highlights include:

Mark Prest (10:35–11:05)

A powerful exploration of stigma through visual arts and recovery storytelling, led by the founder of Portraits of Recovery (PORe).

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Nav Dhesi (11:10–11:40)

Founder of No More Pretending, Navi shares lived experience from South Asian communities and explores the cultural nuances around stigma and addiction.

Dr Hannah Carver & Tessa Parkes (12:00–12:25)

A research-led session on substance use, homelessness and mental health, delivered by leading academics from the Salvation Army Centre for Addiction Services and Research. 

Carla Treloar & Dr Elena Cama (13:00–13:25)

International research perspectives on stigma, discrimination and harm reduction from Scientia Professor Carla Treloar and mixed-methods researcher Dr Elena Cama.

Dr Kelly Charge & Dr Emmie Neophytou (13:30–14:05)

Frontline insight from clinicians working at the intersection of trauma, mental health and substance use within specialist CAMHS services.

Collaboration and reflection (14:10–15:00)

A 50-minute session bringing together voices from the NHS: Peter Keeling, Adrian Brown, Dr Sarah Stacey, Paul Evans and Ben Metcalfe.

Afternoon keynote: Professor Henrietta Bowden-Jones OBE

At 15:10, the conference welcomes Professor Henrietta Bowden-Jones OBE, founder of the National Problem Gambling Clinic and a leading national advisor on gambling harms.

She will reflect on the evolution of gambling treatment in the NHS, the hidden impact of gambling harms, and the stigma that prevents people and families from seeking help.

Henrietta’s panel includes:

• James Austin - Deputy Director, NHS England Mental Health Programme

• Michael - speaking with lived experience

Both bring powerful insights into policy, implementation and personal impact 

On-demand content - available throughout the day

Alongside the live and simulive sessions, delegates will also be able to access on-demand content. This allows attendees to revisit key sessions, catch up on missed talks, and explore content at their own pace.

The on-demand library will include selected presentations, speaker messages, and thematic deep dives - all accessible to registered delegates throughout the day.

A diverse line-up of guest speakers

Across the programme, delegates will also hear from experts such as:

• Dr James Morris - Behaviour change specialist and Visiting Scholar at LSBU

• Dr Adele Stevens - Consultant Clinical Psychologist specialising in trauma

• Nick Wyrill - Patient Services Manager, Mid-Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust

• And the team behind the Women’s Strategy, exploring stigma, access and safety in women’s services

This diversity ensures a rich, multi-layered conversation that recognises stigma as systemic, cultural and deeply personal.

Why attend?

The NHS APA Conference 2025 offers delegates the chance to:

• Hear from national leaders, clinicians, researchers and people with lived experience 

• Learn about innovative stigma-reduction approaches

• Gain insight into dual diagnosis, trauma, gambling harms, homelessness, young people’s services and more

• Join live Q&As,

• Access on-demand content throughout the day

• Connect with peers across the NHS, voluntary sector and academia

Whether you work in mental health, public health, addictions, commissioning, research or community support, the conference offers practical learning and system-shaping conversations.

Join us on 27 November 2025

This year’s conference is free, virtual, and open to all.

Register now and be part of a national event shaping the future of stigma-free support: https://www.nhsapa.org/conference-2025