You’re invited: Professor Simon Wessely to deliver inaugural Scar Free Foundation Annual Lecture

Please join us for Prof Wessley's lecture 'Facing forward and backward: the visible and invisible cost of trauma' on Tuesday 21 October 2025

Professor Sir Simon Wessely at The Scar Free Foundation's inaugural annual lecture on trauma costs.

29 September 2025

We are delighted to announce a landmark event in The Scar Free Foundation’s calendar: the Inaugural Scar Free Annual Lecture, taking place on Tuesday 21 October.

Our very first lecture will be delivered by none other than Professor Sir Simon Wessely, world-renowned psychiatrist and epidemiologist, whose pioneering work has shaped our understanding of mental health.

Drawing on his extensive career, Professor Wessely will explore ‘the visible and invisible cost of trauma’, a subject at the very heart of our mission and one that resonates deeply with the Scar Free community.

This lecture marks the beginning of what will become an annual series, bringing together remarkable voices from across science, medicine, and social change. Each year, we’ll invite leading thinkers to spark new conversations, share fresh perspectives, and inspire us all.

Great lectures don’t just inform – they connect us, challenge us, and leave us seeing the world differently. We’re honoured Professor Wessely will launch this tradition with what promises to be a thought-provoking and memorable evening.

We hope you’ll join us, alongside Scar Free supporters old and new, for this very special occasion.

Book your free ticket here: Scar Free Eventbrite

🗓️ Tuesday 21 October

📍 Apothecaries’ Lane, Blackfriars Lane, London, EC4V 6ER

⏰ 6.30pm arrival, 7pm lecture, 8pm drinks reception

News and views

Funding
Professor Amber Young stands inside a laboratory wearing a white lab coat. Amber has shoulder length red hair, a fringe, and wears black glasses. She discusses something with a seated colleague. He also wears black glasses, has short grey hair, and wears a white laboratory coat too.

Applications now open for the 2026 Amber Young Burns Research Fellowship

Made possible through Professor Amber Young’s legacy, this £20,000 Fellowship supports the next generation of burns researchers to improve care for children and young people affected by burns.

Read: Applications now open for the 2026 Amber Young Burns Research Fellowship
Events
On the left, Kristina Stiles wears a white top and glasses as she smiles at the camera holding a copy of her book 'Oops family burns', an education resource aimed at minimising domestic burns and scalds which was part funded by The Scar Free Foundation. On the right, Ben Gallagher, a British Army Special Forces Veteran, stands on a stoney path among mountains, grass and trees and smiles at the camera. Ben wears a grey walking outfit and red backpack.

Registration now open for our second Community Event, in association with Royal British Veterans Enterprise

Everyone is welcome at the second of our free, informal Community Events, featuring a talk from renowned British Army and UK Special Forces Veteran, Ben Gallagher.

Read: Registration now open for our second Community Event, in association with Royal British Veterans Enterprise

Quarterly Scar Free Foundation news, straight to your inbox.

Our Privacy Policy