CLAIRE COCKERILL

Biography

Claire Cockerill is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader - Mental Health Wellbeing Practitioners at Edge Hill University, with over 20 years clinical and leadership experience in mental health care. She has a proven track record of leading  mental health practitioners, as well as mentoring students and contributing to academic research, particularly in perinatal mental health. Claire’s extensive experience includes previous roles at the University of Central Lancashire, where she focused on innovative teaching methods, student research supervision, and course development.

Known for her warm, kind, and respectful approach, Claire fosters a positive and supportive learning environment, responding thoughtfully to the needs of her students. She is deeply committed to mentoring and developing future mental health practitioners, offering guidance that is both academically rigorous and compassionate.

Before transitioning into academia, Claire managed a successful mental health care business, Pathways Northwest Ltd, where she implemented the recovery star model and scaled operations significantly. She holds a BA (Hons) in Nursing from Brunel University, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Central Lancashire, and numerous qualifications in management and healthcare. Claire’s teaching philosophy is grounded in practical experience and academic rigor, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded and evidence-based education in mental health and wellbeing.

Teaching

Claire Cockerill teaches across various programs within the School of Social Work and Wellbeing, with a focus on health, wellbeing, social inequalities, care planning, therapeutic interventions, and mental health. She is passionate about creating an engaging and supportive learning environment that fosters critical thinking and practical application. Claire's teaching approach integrates her extensive clinical experience with a commitment to addressing key social issues, ensuring students are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions in the field of mental health and wellbeing.

Research

Claire Cockerill is currently engaged in research focusing on the perinatal mental health needs of men and co-partners, with a particular emphasis on how mental health impacts the overall wellbeing of the family unit. Her research explores the often-overlooked experiences of co-partners during the perinatal period, aiming to contribute to a deeper understanding of mental health dynamics within families. This work aligns with her broader commitment to addressing mental health inequalities and ensuring comprehensive care for all members of the family during critical life stages.