James Scurry

About

My journey weaves a dual narrative in journalism and media production and mental health advocacy and support. Having spent 16 years with Sky News, my depth of expertise spans chief subbing and outputting flagship news programmes to mentoring early-career journalists. As co-founder and co-director of the mental health non-profit Safely Held Spaces, I am committed to trauma-informed journalism and have designed and run training programmes across the industry.The intersection of media and psychotherapy allows for innovative approaches to journalism, particularly in trauma awareness. Our work at Safely Held Spaces, alongside my psychotherapeutic practice, champions a culture of empathy and understanding—essential qualities that can sometimes be lost in today's fast-paced news environment. This dedication to enhancing industry standards is evident through the newly launched MediaStrong Symposium, which I co-organised in London in 2024 and 2025 in partnership with City St George’s, University of London and Ulster University with the aim of creating a safe space for journalists to discuss their own mental health.I am currently a guest lecturer on Doctorate programmes in Clinical Psychology at University College London.I am a recognised Lay Minister in the United Reformed Church and passionate about ecumenical and interfaith work, I have a deep interest in Eastern religions and their dialogue with Christianity. I am currently enrolled in an MA/PhD in Psychology, Religion and Consciousness at Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara, California which I am studying by distance from London.