Roehampton celebrates Penumbra’s 40 years of impact at the Scottish Parliament

Representatives from the University of Roehampton attended a reception at the Scottish Parliament to celebrate Penumbra’s 40th anniversary and its longstanding commitment to improving mental health support across Scotland.

Penumbra, a leading mental health charity, marked the milestone with a parliamentary event recognising four decades of advocacy, innovation and community impact. Roehampton was invited as a valued partner, reflecting the strength of the ongoing Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) and a shared commitment to developing meaningful mental health initiatives.

Among those in attendance were Professor Laura Vowels, Professor Cecilia Essauand Jarvey Torres-Garzon, who were invited as partners in recognition of their collaborative work in mental health. The event brought together sector leaders, policymakers and partners to celebrate Penumbra’s achievements and future ambitions.

During the evening, Michael Burns, CEO of Penumbra, reflected on the organisation’s journey and continued drive for change, remarking that “hope is the catalyst for positive change.” Mia Dowman, Strategic Systems Leader at Penumbra, also expressed appreciation for Roehampton’s presence, reinforcing the value of collaboration and long-term partnership.

The visit highlights a shared ambition to build on the foundations of the KTP and extend collaboration beyond individual projects. By working closely with partners such as Penumbra, Roehampton continues to translate research and expertise into tangible impact within communities.