A free five week community Mad Studies course based in the University of Edinburgh.
Date: The course will start on Tuesday 27th January 2026 and then run on Tuesdays 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th February.
Place: University of Edinburgh.
Who it’s for: people with experience of mental health issues.
How to register: get in touch with Azra on azra@capsadvocacy.org.
Five weeks of learning, discussion and community building. Please make sure you are able to attend every session.
Week 1: Introduction: What is Oor Mad History?
Week 2: The History of Confinement and Treatments
Week 3: Madness, Gender, Sexuality and Intersectionality
Week 4: Activism Then and Now
Week 5: Arts as Advocacy
A certificate from CAPS will be available upon completion of the five weeks. Participating students will get a pass to access the University of Edinburgh Library, and will work with unique collections from Lothian Health Services Archive.
What the course facilitator, Azra, has to say:
“Exploring and exposing Mad History is a powerful tool for reclaiming and projecting the voices and experiences of so many who have been silenced and stigmatised in society. By connecting our experiences, sharing knowledge, inviting discussion and building community, we can inspire change and tread new grounds of social justice.”
How do I get a place on the course?
If you want to join, then please send a message to azra@capsadvocacy.org with a little bit about yourself and why you want to come on the course.