Caribbean Migration, Windrush & Mental Health Expert, Visiting Research Fellow & Associate Lecturer at Goldsmiths University of London & Designed & Delivered Drug Awareness Training for Croydon Council Foster Care

Dr. Audrey Allwood is a British anthropologist, researcher and author with more than 25 years of expertise in migration, mental health and social change. A Visiting Research Fellow and Associate Lecturer at Goldsmiths, University of London, she is recognised as a leading authority on Caribbean migration and its legacy in British society. Audrey’s career spans academia, social services and consultancy, with senior roles across housing, mental health and advocacy. As a speaker, she brings together rigorous research and frontline experience, offering audiences powerful insights on belonging, well-being, diversity and change management.

Audrey has built a career at the intersection of academia, social policy and community development. She studied Caribbean migration and identity in depth, completing doctoral research that examined the settlement and integration of intergenerational West Indian communities in Brixton. Since 2017, she has served as a Visiting Research Fellow at Goldsmiths, University of London, where she also lectures on anthropology and social research. Her expertise is frequently sought by local authorities, charities and national organisations, drawing on her experience managing mental health services at MIND, where she developed a coaching programme for young homeless people. This initiative was later piloted by Certitude, one of the UK’s leading mental health organisations.

She has also designed and delivered drug awareness training for Croydon Council foster carers and contributed to projects with Age UK Lambeth and the Croydon BME Forum, providing both research and practical recommendations to improve community outcomes. Audrey’s academic and professional work often centres on belonging, well-being and diversity, with highlights including a collaborative project on Caribbean mothering and public talks for events such as Windrush Day at the Home Office and Black History Month with Blueprint for All. Her career reflects both scholarly authority and deep social engagement.

Audrey is the author of ‘Belonging in Britain‘ (2008) and ‘Belonging in Brixton’ (2020), both of which explore themes of migration, settlement and community identity. Her doctoral research was published by Palgrave Macmillan and offers a detailed ethnography of intergenerational West Indian elders in London. Beyond her books, she has contributed to radio programmes, including a feature on ABC Radio examining Caribbean migration in Brixton, where she discussed gentrification and social change. Through her writing and media contributions, Audrey provides nuanced perspectives on identity, belonging and the legacies of migration in Britain.

Why Hire Dr. Audrey Allwood?

Audiences book Audrey because she combines rigorous academic research with decades of practical experience in housing, advocacy and social care. Her expertise on migration and belonging offers a unique perspective on how identity and community are shaped across generations, while her professional work with local authorities and charities demonstrates her ability to translate research into real-world impact. Audrey has spoken at high-profile events such as the Home Office Windrush Day celebration, addressing themes of inclusion, cultural legacy and social change. She has also supported community organisations by producing reports and securing funding to deliver grassroots projects that make a tangible difference.

As a certified teacher of mindful meditation, she brings additional tools to help audiences explore resilience and well-being. Whether speaking on Windrush, mental health or change management, Audrey delivers with clarity and authenticity, leaving audiences both inspired and equipped to take action.

To book Audrey to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.