The Future Is Psychedelic (?)

As psychedelics move from the underground to the mainstream, the UK stands at the edge of a historic turning point. With psychedelic therapy gathering momentum globally - from Australia to Canada, the U.S., and Germany - we face a bigger question:

What is the psychedelic future we want to build?

To help imagine and shape that future, we welcome speakers with wide-ranging expertise and lived experience to deliver short talks and two panel discussions - one focusing on medical psychedelics and the other on personal and community practice:

• mental-health futurist and advocate for equity in psychedelic care Sara Reed
• artist and somatic practitioner Camille Barton
• psychiatrist and clinical trials leader James Rucker
• psychedelic therapist and ACER Integration founder Rosalind Watts
• psychotherapeutic counsellor and senior trial therapist Michelle Baker Jones
• psychiatrist and clinical trials doctor Famia Askari
• Psychedelic facilitator and Buddhist chaplain Daan Keiman
• psychedelic therapist and researcher, and lifestyle medicine practitioner Chara Caruthers
• ethnobotanist and psychedelic guide Hattie Wells
• anthropologist and advocate for family-inclusive spaces Emily Sinclair
• founder of the Psychedelic Experience Clinic and drug policy director Timmy Davies
• clinical research nurse and psychotherapist in training Keekz Campbell-Coker
• storyteller sharing lessons from a challenging psychedelic journey Gabriel Martin
• writer and advocate on psychedelic harms with lived experience of HPPD Ed Prideaux
• Molly Eddison and Anya Oleksiuk co-host the event, combining scientific insight with grassroots experience to showcase a rich diversity of voices and perspectives.

We’ll make space for everyone to join the dialogue and to meet, talk and build connections throughout the day.

The future of psychedelics is uncertain. Billionaires, pharmaceutical corporations, and harmful actors are rapidly capitalising on sacred substances, centering profit over safety and accessibility

Sexual misconduct, ethical boundary violations and harmful behaviour continue to plague the psychedelic space, within celebrated organizations and among un-skilled, dangerous individuals who prey on vulnerable community members seeking support. Survivors and critics have described a deep lack of transparency, repair and accountability, and have reported incredible pressure to remain silent, and to discredit and defame those who speak out.

As psychedelic substances become increasingly mainstream, and more nations globally edge closer to the legalization of psychedelic therapy , we stand at a crucial precipice, facing tough questions:

How do we resist a future shaped by peak capitalism and instead build a psychedelic ecosystem rooted in inclusivity, community care, safety, equity and accessibility?

How do we create safeguards and structures of care and accountability in the psychedelic field to reduce harm and protect those most at risk?

This gathering is more than a conversation, it’s an exploration of how we shape a culture that is inclusive, ethical, and rooted in community care. From grassroots support to academic research, we’ll dive into the tensions and possibilities of accessibility, diversity, accountability, and long-term integration. We’ll imagine what becomes possible when medical systems and community networks collaborate to create a future that serves everyone.

Join us for a full day of discussion, socialising and community-building as we explore how we got here, where we’re heading, and how we can organise to create a psychedelic future together, grounded in the lineages of Healing Justice.

We’re not only asking what will happen — but, what future do we want to create together?

Profits with Purpose - Funding Inclusive Support

Proceeds will fund the development of a Community Hub designed to provide inclusive support for people who have faced serious harm or challenging psychedelic experiences and for those requiring sustained, long-term aftercare. A central element of the Community Hub will be a dedicated financial-assistance fund, ensuring that individuals experiencing economic hardship can access the care and ongoing support they need.

A New Collaboration

This event marks the launch of a collaboration between PsyAware and the Maudsley Psychedelic Society, uniting to host public events that explore how psychedelics intersect with crucial yet under-explored issues. These include accessibility and community-building, women’s health, neurodivergence, and the potential for alleviating chronic pain and long-term illness, alongside other areas often overlooked in mainstream psychedelic conversations.

About Maudsley Psychedelic Society

The Maudsley Psychedelic Society was founded in 2015 by Dr Oliver Bashford and Dr James Rucker, who leads the Psychedelic Trials Group at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London. Our purpose is to act as a forum for medics, researchers, students and allied professionals to discuss and innovate around the therapeutic utility of psychedelics, and their place in psychiatry, medicine and society. The MPS hosts monthly psychedelic integration groups and regular events, bringing these gatherings and discussions to a public-facing forum.

About PsyAware

PsyAware is a not-for-profit organisation providing essential education and support systems in the psychedelic space. Our goal is to empower individuals and communities to enhance our collective wellbeing through better understanding and responsible psychedelic practices.

Visit our website, and join our mailing list where we are building a more aware, connected, and caring psychedelic culture.

Access & Participation

IN-PERSON & LIVESTREAM

We’ll gather in person in London to help the community connect face to face, and we’ll also provide a livestream for those who cannot travel. 

KCL STUDENTS SPECIAL DISCOUNTED TICKETS

We’re offering special discounted tickets for King’s College London students! Look out for our upcoming mailer and social media post, or contact us directly to receive your discount code. Please note that student IDs will be checked at the entry.

COMMUNITY DISCOUNTED AND FREE TICKETS

We want to make sure our events are accessible to all: if ticket cost is a barrier, please write to us to request a discretionary discounted or free ticket.

Accessibility

WHEELCHAIR / STEP-FREE ACCESS

Wolfson Lecture Theatre is located on the lower ground floor of the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience. The venue is accessible for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility, with step-free routes to the main theatre and toilet facilities. A lift is available, and a pass can be arranged on entry so you can operate it independently. If you have specific access requirements, please contact us in advance so we can ensure your needs are met. Useful details below:

• The corridor outside the lecture theatre is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass
• There is step free access into the lecture theatre
• The door opening width is 75cm+ for the lecture theatre
• The doors for the lecture theatre are push pad activated
• There are designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre
• The designated spaces for wheelchairs users are located at the front
• There is level access to the designated seating from an entrance
• There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the lecture theatre
• Floor coverings in the lecture theatre are even with no trip hazards

SEATING & STEPS

• There are 15+ medium (11cm-17cm) steps for access to the designated seating
• The steps are clearly marked and do not have handrails
• There is staggered seating within the lecture theatre
• The steps to the staggered seating do not have handrails
• There is fixed furniture within the lecture theatre
• The clear floor space beneath tables in the lecture theatre(s) ranges between 66cm and 70cm
• A height adjustable table/bench is not available
• There is a/are chairs with armrests on both sides within the lecture theatres

BREAKS & FACILITIES

There will be two scheduled breaks of 30 minutes each during the event to allow time for rest, refreshments and informal conversation. Toilet facilities are located within easy reach of the lecture theatre, with multiple cubicles available to minimise waiting times, including a wheelchair-accessible toilet.

SENSORY ISSUES

• There is a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre
• There is a visual fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre
• Directional and locational signage for the lecture theatre is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible
• There is space for an assistance dog

COVID-19/AIRBORNE ILLNESS

This is an indoor event. In solidarity with vulnerable community members, and with respect for each other's health, if you are experiencing symptoms of any sort, we kindly ask that you please stay home, rest and do your part to mitigate spread of illness. Wearing a mask is encouraged but not required. There will also be hand sanitizer available. At the roots of any movement for justice is compassionate community care.

REFRESHMENTS

• Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available before the event and during the break, with vegan and gluten-/nut-free options provided.
• Tap water will be supplied throughout the day.
• In the evening, during the social portion of the event, a selection of finger foods will be served, including vegan and gluten-free and nut-free choices. Please note that while we will provide these options, we cannot guarantee the absence of cross-contamination; those with coeliac disease or severe nut allergies may therefore need to take extra caution.

INDIVIDUAL ACCESS NEEDS & MORE INFORMATION:

Please contact King's College London's Disability Support & Inclusion team directly to discuss your needs and request any necessary adjustments, as they can provide tailored support and information.

COMMUNITY SAFETY GUIDELINES 

Sensitive and potentially activating topics will be discussed during the event, including racism, sexual misconduct, and other harm. We recommend that you breathe deeply throughout, and do what you need to do to take care of yourself. Observe your body, stretch, move and sigh and cry as you feel comfortable to. Step away if you need, drink water, eat a snack. Professional therapeutic and peer community support will be available. We are working towards expanding our windows of tolerance, to hold the complexity of this moment.

Discrimination and violent behaviour or language of any kind will not be tolerated. This includes discrimination based on race, sexual orientation and gender, ability, age, class and religion. Please take care of yourselves and each other.