Her clinical work has taken her both nationally and internationally, where she has taken part in developing a trauma unit for a mental health hospital in Uganda and has spoken on improving clinical interventions at Government establishments in the UK.
Laura Fontaine has presented at health care professional conferences, with topics including:’ Racial identity and mental distress; improving psychological & vocational interventions for BAME’ clients and facilitated various mental health workshops at City Hall. She has written on and evaluated mental health services and service user feedback for East London NHS trust’s, Akaba Project and received an ‘innovative young people’s mental health’ award in 2008 & 2010, for reaching high clinical/vocational standards for hard-to-reach young people.
She has also contributed within the clinical research field by completing a verified and accredited academic thesis on “identity and psychological distress”.
Dr Laura Fontaine is an academic and research expert on Racial Identity theory; the concept of cultural competency and of how these theories and concepts can be applied to practice, strategy and decision making. She has a good understanding for over 23 years of the public-sector context and local experience and knowledge (particularly in East London), as well as working in the community and the voluntary sector. Additionally, holding a track record for over 8 years in delivering relevant training / consultancy on Racial Identity & Racial Trauma; with several years of research conducted for PHD dissertation and publication.
She acquires a qualified Teaching certification – lecturer in Psychology and Mental Health in FE College and provides Consultancy services and clinical advice for generic professionals working in Primary & Secondary schools, the NHS and Councils) at various statutory and voluntary organisations aiming to engage culturally appropriately with African/African-Caribbean peoples, particularly young black males in order to promote anti-racist practices.