Event - how we celebrated the life of Dr Suman Fernando

Careif supported a successful event to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr Suman Fernando at the University of East London on Saturday 13th September 2025. This was a hybrid event, which attracted an international audience and speakers who attended in person and online.

The proceedings were chaired by Frank Keating, Hari Sewell, and Rachel Tribe. The day was split into five sections, reflecting some key aspects of Sumans legacy:

Suman the person, focusing on Suman’s character, and his personal and professional history. Suman’s family gave their recollections of him along with presentations from two long standing friends and colleagues of his.

Lived Experience, covering the centrality of the lived experience perspectives in Suman’s work from three excellent and diverse speakers.

Policy and legislation, examining his national work in these areas. This ’in conversation’ session brought together three people from different professional disciplines and provoked a lively debate that could have continued for longer.

Global approaches, reflecting that Suman’s influence expanded beyond the UK. People from three continents spoke contributed, as well as two people who were applying Suman’s ideas in the UK.

The psy-disciplines, indicating his influence across mental health disciplines. A group of five psychiatrists and psychologists reflected on Suman’s work and how this had affected their own practice as well as the wider disciplines.

It was clear from the talks and discussion that Suman was viewed as a trailblazer in the field of critical psychiatry and was a tireless advocate for race equity in mental health. It is worth reflecting on some consensus that emerged from the days contributors. His pioneering work clearly left an indelible mark on the profession, inspiring clinicians, researchers, and policymakers around the world. For more than 20 years, Suman served as a consultant psychiatrist, combining his deep scholarly knowledge with a profound compassion for patients and communities. Known for his calm and respectful manner, he was nevertheless fearless in challenging conventional thinking and engaging in robust academic debate.

Suman’s influence was extensive, His international work helped shape intercultural approaches to mental health, reminding us that Western, individualised models of mental illness must be considered alongside community-based and spiritual perspectives from the Global South and indigenous traditions. He often highlighted those practices now embraced in Western recovery — such as mindfulness and yoga — have long been central to traditional healing systems.

His written output was considerable. He authored eight books and countless papers, and his groundbreaking contributions were celebrated internationally. It is very rare for a clinician or academic, but in 2014, his impact was recognised in the book Critical Psychiatry and Mental Health: Exploring the Work of Suman Fernando in Clinical Practice, which brought together reflections from colleagues across the globe.

Beyond his professional achievements, it was clear that Suman was known for his warmth, humour, and generosity of spirit. He connected easily with people everywhere he went, never seeking recognition but always willing to share his knowledge and mentor others.

Three films will be available in the future where three presenters discussed Suman and his legacy. A recording of the day may also be available in due course.