Following the loss of her husband Mark to suicide, Angela has dedicated her career to transforming conversations around suicide prevention and emotional wellbeing.
Her tireless advocacy has made her one of the UK’s leading voices on the subject, notably co-authoring the award-winning Zero Suicide Alliance training, which has now been accessed by over three million people worldwide.
Angela’s extensive contributions extend far beyond her campaigning. She is a Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside, a consultant to The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales and chair of Tate Liverpool’s Advisory Board and she presented the BAFTA-nominated BBC One documentary Life After Suicide.
Reflecting on receiving the honour alongside students from Edge Hill’s Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Angela said:
“It was such a wonderful surprise, I was absolutely delighted and very grateful to whoever put me forward to receive such an honour. Thank you!
“I feel very proud to be sharing graduation day with so many incredible people and to be in a room full of celebration.”
Discussing the message she wants to send to others, she added:
“I hope accepting this honour sends the message that it’s okay to be complicated. We are living in a world where being comfortable in your own skin is seen as a radical, political act.
“What that gives us is the opportunity to find our courage to accept each other for who we are and to play a part in creating a different world.
“My career was taking me in one direction and then my life experiences took me in another. I hope it shows that it’s okay to use that lived experience to make a difference, even if it isn’t in your originally chosen academic field.”
Edge Hill has collaborated with Angela on several projects over the years. She has previously shared her powerful experiences and insights with the University community through the Edge Ahead podcast, forging a strong connection with students and staff.
Dr Helen O’Keeffe, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Education at Edge Hill University, praised the appointment:
“We are immensely proud to welcome Angela Samata to the Edge Hill family as an Honorary Doctor. Having collaborated with Angela on several projects including her insightful contributions to our Edge Ahead podcast we have seen first-hand the impact of her work.
“Her relentless dedication to breaking down mental health stigma, advancing suicide prevention and bridging the gap between health and the arts aligns perfectly with Edge Hill’s values. Angela is a true inspiration and her voice will undoubtedly continue to empower our students and staff to drive meaningful change in society.”
Looking ahead to her ongoing relationship with the University, Angela shared her enthusiasm for supporting the campus community:
“My hope is that as an Honorary Doctor of Edge Hill University, I will be able to support both students and staff in whatever way might be helpful.
“Most of my career has been based on co-design and co-production, so I look forward to listening to what students find valuable and working alongside them.”
To find out more about the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine at Edge Hill University or come along to our upcoming Open Day on Saturday 15 August 2026.
July 22, 2026
