What is clinical research?

Clinical research means the study of people’s health and behaviour. This provides the foundation of healthcare, through making sure that treatments are safe and effective. 

Clinical research can take many forms; however, these can be divided into two main groups:

  1. Interventional studies (or clinical trials)

These studies involve making a change to a treatment and determining the outcome. For example:

  • Testing a medication 
  • Testing a psychological therapy
  1. Observational studies 

These studies involve improving understanding of a situation without making changes to treatment. For example: 

  • Completing a survey
  • Providing a blood, urine or saliva sample 

Our staff support the delivery of interventional and observational studies within AWP.

We do this to provide our service users, carers and staff with opportunities to take part in research that is relevant to them. 

In this section, you will find a list of all clinical research studies currently being supported by our department.
 

Current clinical research opportunities

Anxiety and Depression

The GLAD Study is a project set up to explore risk factors in individuals who have experienced depression and/or anxiety, including those with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, OCD, or related disorders, at any time in their lives.

It aims to better understand depression and anxiety in order to find and develop more effective treatments. The GLAD Study is also part of the NIHR BioResource, which is a library of information about people’s health aiming to support research in both physical and mental health.

To take part in this study you must:

  • Have experienced symptoms of anxiety and/or depression during your life
  • Be aged 16 and above
  • Live in the UK

The GLAD Study enrolment process consists of four steps:

  1. Register on the website www.gladstudy.org.uk and read the Information Sheet
  2. Provide consent (please put AWP as where you heard about the study)
  3. Complete a questionnaire
  4. Provide a saliva sample

AWP Research and Development contacts:

Alexandra Young (alexandra.young6@nhs.net)

 

This study will close on the 30th November 2024
 

 

Clinical depression can impact an individual’s mood and motivation to pursue goals and affects how rewarding they find them. Current first-line treatments, such as psychological therapies and antidepressants, haven’t always proven effective for a good proportion of people who might have Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD).

PAX-D study aims to use an already existing drug called pramipexole (which is currently being used for Parkinson's disease) that could prove effective treatment for TRD by impacting factors such as mood and motivation. 

During the trial, one group of people will be taking pramipexole and the other group will be taking a placebo; a tablet that looks like pramipexole, but has no effect. At the end of the trial, we will compare the information collected on people taking pramipexole with that from people taking placebo.

To take part in this study you must:

  • Be aged 18 or above (male or female)
  • Have a diagnosis of major depression (DSM-V)
  • Be currently taking an antidepressant medication and willing to continue 
  • Have lacked response to at least two antidepressants at therapeutic doses

Additional information: 

PAX-D study website: https://paxd.web.ox.ac.uk/

AWP Research and Development contacts:

Alexandra Young (alexandra.young6@nhs.net

Mashal Asif (mashal.asif1@nhs.net

 

This study will close on the 31st August 2023

 

PAX-D logo.jpg
 

Autistic Spectrum

We are inviting adults who have a diagnosis of autism and experience anxiety to take part in a research study. The study is called STRATA (SerTRaline for AnxieTy in adults with a diagnosis of Autism). It has been co-produced with experienced clinicians, researchers, and autistic people to investigate the treatment of anxiety in adults with a diagnosis of autism. AWP is hosting this study but people can take part from anywhere in the UK.

You can learn more about what is involved in taking part by reading the participant information here.

Please read the information carefully and feel free to discuss it with family, friends, carers, or others if you wish.

To take part in this study you must:

  • be aged 18 years or over
  • have a diagnosis of autism (including variations such as Asperger syndrome)
  • experience anxiety for which you are willing to try treatment with medication
  • be able to complete online or paper questionnaires about things such as your anxiety, other symptoms, and healthcare usage
  • be able to provide informed consent to take part

How long does it take?

Participants will be enrolled to the study for up to 52 weeks (1 year), during which time they will be asked to take the study medication as directed, and complete four questionnaires (with their time reimbursed with a £10 voucher for each). In addition, there will be five brief safety check appointments to discuss how participants are getting on with the medication and carefully monitor any side effects. All study appointments can be done via video or phone call, or in person appointments (any travel expenses reimbursed) can be arranged according to participant preference.

What could I do next?

If you are interested in taking part in the study, please complete the online expression of interest form here

Alternatively, if you have any questions or would like further information or assistance, please contact the STRATA team by email: strata-takepart@bristol.ac.uk or phone: 0117 428 3001.

AWP Research and Development contact:

awp.strata-rct-secure@nhs.net

 

This study will close on the 30th November 2023

 

STRATA logo.jpg
 

ADEPT-2 is a Randomised Control Trial (RCT) for autistic adults, comparing Guided Self-Help with NHS support for depression.

Depression is a common mental health issue, related to lower quality of life. Research indicates that autistic people are more likely to experience depression than non-autistic people. 

Effective treatment for depression includes a talking therapy called low intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This form of low intensity therapy is based on supporting the person receiving therapy to work through evidence-based information. This is called Guided Self-Help which has been shown to be useful in non-autistic adults, but it is not known whether it would also be useful for autistic adults.

The main goal of the ADEPT-2 study is to find out whether Guided Self-Help is helpful in reducing depression experienced by autistic adults. 

The ADEPT-2 study also aims to determine whether Guided Self-Help would have a good cost-benefit for the NHS. In addition, the ADEPT-2 study aims to find out whether Guided Self-Help received by an autistic adult has impact on their family carers or supporters. 

To take part in this study you must:

  • Be aged 18 and over
  • Have received a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder from a healthcare professional(s)
  • Experience low mood or depression
  • Be able to complete forms with questions either online or on paper
  • Be able to give informed consent to take part 

Additional information:

If you decide to take part in the study, you will be randomly selected to receive either Guided Self-Help or NHS support for depression. 

Guided Self-Help involves using a booklet, as well as attending 9 individual meetings with a coach to support use of the booklet. These meetings will be online. If you prefer to meet in person, the study team would be happy to discuss whether that would be possible.   

NHS support for depression might include talking therapy, medication, self-coping strategies, and access to support groups. 

The study will last for 52 weeks. Taking part will involve completing questionnaires at the start of the study, as well as 16 weeks, 32 weeks and 52 weeks later. You will be able to claim a £10 gift voucher for completing every set of questionnaires in the study. There will also be the option to be interviewed about your experience of the study at the end of the study. 

Further information about the ADEPT-2 study can be found here.

ADEPT-2 study team contact:

If you wish to discuss the ADEPT-2 study or reasonable adjustments for taking part in the study, you can contact the ADEPT-2 study team directly by telephone (07855 973171) or email (adept-takepart@bristol.ac.uk)

AWP Research and Development contact:

awp.adept-2@nhs.net

 

This study will close on the 1st January 2024

 

ADEPT-2 logo.jpg

Bipolar and Psychosis 

The Integrated Bipolar Parenting Intervention Trial (IBPI) team based at Lancaster University and Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust are trying to find out whether providing online parenting support for parents with bipolar disorder (BD) helps parents to feel less stressed, have more confidence and experience fewer mood problems. The trial also aims to see whether use of the support leads their children to having fewer behavioural and emotional problems.

To take part in this trial, individuals must: 

  • Have a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder (BD)
  • Have a child aged 4-10 years old (with whom you have at least 10 hours of contact with a week)
  • Have access to the internet

Additional Information:

The Integrated Bipolar Parenting Intervention (IBPI) is an online tool that combines parenting support with helpful strategies for managing bipolar, and can be accessed on computers, mobile phones or tablets. 

Individuals will be randomly allocated (50/50 chance) to receive the intervention or to receive what would be considered their usual care. Those that are allocated to receive usual care will be able to access the IBPI tool once they have completed the trial (after 48 weeks). 

All activities related to the IBPI Trial will be done remotely / online. 

If you are interested in finding out more and registering your interest, please visit: Bipolar-Parenting-Study | Lancaster University

IBPI Trial contact:

Telephone: 07507 856960
Email: ibpi@lancaster.ac.uk 
Website: www.lancs.ac.uk/spectrum/IBPI 

 

This study will close on the 31st January 2025

 

Logo, company nameDescription automatically generated

We are trying to understand why some people experience problems with their mental health. The purpose of this study is to collect information and samples for genetic, biological, psychological and clinical research. This will allow us to look for genes and other factors which make some people more likely than others to become ill.

We hope the study will improve understanding of these conditions and help find better treatments in the future.

We are looking for service users to take part from: 

Early Intervention Services:

  • Over 16-years-old 
  • Lived experience of psychosis

Mother & Baby Unit:

  • Over 18-years-old

With each participant we hope to complete a basic assessment (demographic information, details about the participant’s personal and family history of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, and questions about medications, physical illness and lifestyle) and take a blood/saliva sample (if possible).

AWP Research and Development contact:

awp.ncmh@nhs.net

 

This study closes on the 31st March 2025
 

The University of Manchester are conducting a research study to understand staff and service user views about using digital devices, such as a smartphone or wearable device, to help manage mental health. 

The study team would like to understand service user opinions of this topic, as well as how people use digital devices. 

The study will aim to survey at least 300 people with lived-experience of psychosis. The study team would like those taking part in the survey to have a wide range of experience using technology. This includes people that already use a smartphone or wearable device, and those that do not. 

To take part in this study you must:

  • Be aged 18 or above
  • Have a diagnosis or have treatment for psychosis, schizophrenia, or unusual distressing experiences (e.g. hearing voices or having usual beliefs)
  • Be able to understand and speak English

Additional information: 

You will be asked some questions about your age, mental health and use of mental health services to confirm you can take part in the study. 

If you are able to take part, you will be asked to complete a survey; either online or using a paper copy. This survey will ask about your views of digital devices, as well as how these can be used in mental healthcare. 

The survey should take 20-30 minutes to complete. Survey responses are anonymous and there will be no way to identify the people that take part. 

By taking part in this survey, you service users are eligible to be entered into a prize draw to win £50 (as vouchers, cash, or bank payment). 

To read the participant information sheet and take part in the study, please click here

AWP Research and Development contacts:

Harry Walker (harry.walker@nhs.net)

 

This study closes on the 1st May 2024
 

The STOP trial aims to investigate the use of a new treatment for the symptoms of paranoia. The treatment uses a mobile phone App aimed at reducing cognitive bias, meaning the way the brain simplifies information through the filters of personal experience. The trial will test whether the mobile phone App can help replace harmful and distressing paranoid thoughts with better alternatives. 

To take part in this trial you must:

  • Be age 18 or above
  • Have clinically significant paranoid and persecutory symptoms that have continued for at least a month, regardless of diagnosis
  • Have been stable on psychotropic medication for a minimum of 3 months
  • Have no major physical illness or substance misuse issues (alcohol or drugs)
  • Have an understanding of written and spoken English
  • Have capacity to consent to take part in the trial

Additional information:

You will be asked to use a mobile phone App once per week for either 6 or 12 weeks. This App can be downloaded onto your own smartphone or a smartphone that can be provided for the trial period.

You will be asked to complete an initial assessment with a researcher at the University of Bath. Following this assessment, the researcher will phone you either weekly or fortnightly for a short conversation. There will be follow-up assessments at 6, 12, 18 and 24 weeks after starting the trial. You can claim £20 for completing each follow-up assessment and a final assessment. 

Taking part in this trial does not affect access to your current treatment. Taking part in this trial is voluntary and anyone can withdraw at any point. 

More information about the STOP trial can be found here

AWP Research and Development contacts:

Darren French (d.french4@nhs.net)

David Rudall (d.rudall@nhs.net)

 

This study will close on the 30th June 2024

 

STOP logo.jpg
 

Background

The University of Oxford Study team are interested in better understanding why people might get angry or become aggressive to better support people and improve treatments to reduce violence. 

To take part in this trial you must: 

  • Be aged 16 or older
  • Identify as male
  • Are in contact with mental health services
  • Have been given a diagnosis of psychosis

Individuals do not need to have had experiences with anger, aggression or violence to take part in this study – all experiences are equally helpful. 

Additional Information:

Individuals will be asked to complete a number of questionnaires supported by someone from the Research and Development delivery team, which should take around an hour to complete. These can be completed in person, online, on the phone, or via video call depending on your preference. 

The questionnaires will ask for: demographic information, experiences of feeling angry, how individuals cope with anger, individual beliefs and feelings towards aggression and thoughts they may have about other people. 

A small group of about 100 people will be asked to complete a small portion of the questionnaires one week later. This is optional.

AWP Research and Development contacts:

Monalisa Bora-White (Monalisa.Bora-White@nhs.net

 

This study will close on the 31st January 2024
 

Complex Emotional Needs

Some people in contact with mental health services experience emotional distress that is linked to long-standing difficulties in relationships with other people. This can affect their ability to form and maintain healthy relationships with other people. This can also affect mood and ability to manage difficult feelings. 

Existing psychological approaches are helpful to people with complex emotional needs, but these can be long-term and delivered in groups. There can be long waiting lists for these groups and people can find it difficult to attend due to different reasons.  

Structured Psychological Support (or SPS) is a short-term and less intense type of support for people with complex emotional needs. This study aims to find out if Structured Psychological Support (SPS) is effective. 

In the SPS study, people taking part will be divided at random into two groups. 

One group of people taking part will receive the SPS intervention. This intervention includes six to ten sessions of psychological support. These sessions will be delivered by a trained professional on a one-to-one basis. The sessions will focus on personal difficulties, as well as techniques to improve mental health and functioning. 

The other group will receive treatment-as-usual, meaning that the available support is no different to that normally available to you. However, if you do not already have a personal safety or crisis plan, you will be invited to create one in an appointment with a trained mental health professional. 

To take part in the SPS study you must:

  • Be aged 18 or over
  • Be suggested for the study by a mental health professional who has assessed you as having complex emotional needs
  • Not be receiving or on a waiting list to receive treatment for complex emotional needs
  • Not have a psychotic mental health condition, such as schizophrenia
  • Not have an organic mental health condition, such as dementia 
  • Be willing and able to provide informed consent to take part in the study

Further information:   

Before the SPS study starts, you will be asked to a face-to-face appointment to give your consent to take part, and complete a brief questionnaire to check you can take part. If you are able to take part, you will be asked to complete a number of questionnaires. 

These questionnaires ask about your mental and physical health, the way you feel about life and health, and your use of health services. The SPS study team would also like to ask about your social life and activity in the community. You will be offered a £10 voucher for completing the questionnaires.
After the start of the study, a researcher will check in with you at 3 months and 9 months. Following 6 and 12 months into the study, you will be asked to attend online appointments, where you will be asked to repeat the same questionnaires as the start of the study. Each time you complete the questionnaire you will offered a £20 voucher.

At the end of the study, the SPS study team might ask you to an interview about your experiences of the study. This interview is optional. 

The SPS study is being coordinated by Imperial College London over seven NHS Trusts.

AWP Research and Development contact:

awp.sps.trial@nhs.net 
 

This study will close on the 8th February 2024

Dementia

Evoke is a three-year study looking at the effect and safety of a daily tablet called Semaglutide, which is already licensed to help control type 2 diabetes. The study is ‘double blind’, which means that both the subjects taking part in the trial and the people studying them do not know who is taking the real drug or a placebo. The study is being trialled around the world.

Taking part would involve visiting Kingshill Research Centre (Swindon) for assessment on 17 occasions, as well as being available for an additional single phone call over approximately a three year and three month study period.

To take part in this study you must:

  • Be 55-85 years old at the point of signing informed consent to take part in the study
  • Have Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or mild dementia of the Alzheimer's type (according to the NIA-AA 2018 criteria)

You will not be able to take part if:

  • You demonstrate evidence of a relevant neurological disorder other than MCI or mild dementia of the Alzheimer's type at the point of screening (an assessment before taking part)

AWP Research and Development contact:

awp.kingshillresearch@nhs.net

 

This study closes on the 30th June 2023

The MySmile Study is a Randomised Control Trial (RCT) for adults with Alzheimer’s disease, looking at whether reducing periodontal infection (gum disease) slows the progression of cognitive impairment. Periodontal infection is mainly caused by inflammation of gums and surrounding bone. 

The MySmile research group and others have found links between Alzheimer’s and gum disease. Gum disease occurs when certain bacteria thrive under the gum line causing inflammation and bleeding. There is good evidence these bacteria pass into the bloodstream and speed up, or cause development of other diseases (such as diabetes and heart disease).

The study will compare two groups of patients who have both early Alzheimer’s and gum disease. One group will continue to look after their teeth and attend their own dental practice as usual. The other group will receive a personalised mouth care plan with all treatment provided at Bristol Dental Hospital or an accredited General Dental Practice.

The study will last 18 months. Taking part will involve completing a number memory tests, having dental assessments, and providing saliva and blood samples at different time points over 18 months.

To take part in the study you must:

  • Be aged 60 and over
  • Have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease of Mild Cognitive Impairment 
  • Be interested in improving your oral (gum) health

MySmile study team contact:

If you wish to discuss taking part in the MySmile study, you can contact the MySmile study team directly by telephone (07773 579130) or email (Nikki.Hellin@bristol.ac.uk)

AWP Research and Development contact:

Monalisa Bora-White (monalisa.bora-white@nhs.net

 

This study closes on the 31st January 2024

 

Eating Disorders

EDGI is a project set up to explore risk factors in individuals who have experienced eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder or any other eating disorder at any time in their lives.

It aims to better understand the genetic and environmental links to eating disorders in order to improve treatments for current and future patients. EDGI is also part of the NIHR BioResource, which is a library of information about people’s health aiming to support research in both physical and mental health.

To take part in this study you must:

  • Be aged 16 and above
  • Live in England
  • Be currently experiencing or have experienced an eating disorder

The EGDI study enrolment process consists of four steps:

  1. Registering on the website edgiuk.org and reading the information sheet
  2. Providing consent using the online form (please put AWP as where you heard about the study)
  3. Completing a questionnaire
  4. Providing a saliva sample

AWP Research and Development contact:

awp.edgi@nhs.net

 

This study will close on the 1st September 2024
 

 

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

This study is a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) of Troriluzole, alongside anti-depressant treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).  

The main goal is to understand the effects of Troriluzole on OCD symptoms.

Troriluzole has been considered to show benefit for people affected by the symptoms of OCD (an investigational drug for OCD at this point). 

People affected by the symptoms of OCD have been shown to have high levels of Glutamate. Troriluzole might be beneficial in reducing these levels of Glutamate, which cause OCD.

This is a 12-week study.

Those taking part will need to attend Kingshill Research Centre (Swindon) on seven occasions throughout the study period. 

Visits to Kingshill Research Centre will involve the following:

  • Physical health observations and assessments 
  • Questionnaire-based assessment measures

To take part in this study you must:

  • Be 18-65 years-old
  • Diagnosed or had symptoms of OCD for a year
  • Be currently taking Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) for an adequate duration and dose, but with little beneficial response
  • Be able to read, write and understand English in order to consent to take part (those with cognitive impairments will be excluded from taking part)

AWP Research and Development contact:

awp.kingshillresearch@nhs.net

 

This study will close on the 30th June 2023

 

OCD trial logo.jpg

Perinatal 

This study aims to investigate whether online perinatal emotional skills groups (ESGs) are helpful for women diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) during pregnancy and in the year after childbirth, known as the perinatal period.

To take part in this study, participants must:

  • Be aged 18 and over 
  • At least 15 weeks pregnant or within 1 year of giving birth
  • Likely to have an underlying borderline or emotionally unstable personality disorder

Further information:

At the beginning of the study, participants will be asked to complete some face-to-face or online detailed assessments about their mental health. Following this, participants will be allocated to one of two groups.

The first group will be offered standard perinatal mental health care; this is called treatment as usual. The second group will also be offered online emotional skills groups. 

The emotional skills groups will be delivered online every week for 12 weeks. Women allocated to these groups will need to attend.

Participants will be asked to complete follow-up assessments at 2 and 4 months after being allocated into one of the study groups. These assessments will be completed in face-to-face, telephone or online appointments. 

As a thank you for taking part, participants will be offered shopping vouchers worth £20 after completing the assessment at the start of the study, and then again after completing the 2- and 4-month follow-up assessments. 

AWP Research and Development contact:

Mashal Asif (awp.ease-study@nhs.net

 

This study will close on the 30th June 2023

The National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH) is heading an important research study called Maternal Wellbeing, Mental Health and Life Experiences.

This is an online survey that’s looking to understand more about how life experiences and COVID-19 have impacted on maternal wellbeing and mental health during the perinatal period.

We hope the findings will lead to new and improved ways of recognising and providing support in times of need.

The survey can be found here

To take part in this study you must:

  • Be over 18-years-old
  • Be pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months

Individuals with or without a mental health diagnosis are welcome to complete the survey.  

Participants will also be entered into a prize draw to win up to the value of £100 for their continued participation in the follow up maternal mental health surveys.

AWP Research and Development contacts:

Alexandra Young (alexandra.young6@nhs.net)  

 

This study closes on the 31st March 2025
 

Physical and mental health

The DIAMONDS Trial is a Randomised Control Trial (RCT) looking at improving diabetes self-management for people with severe mental illness (SMI) by comparing using a 6-month programme with usual care. 

The DIAMONDS trial aims to test a self-management intervention that can specifically help people with diabetes and severe mental illness to be healthier. The intervention has been developed in partnership with people with mental illness and diabetes, their family members/friends, and the healthcare staff who support them. 

The trial will last for 12 months. Taking part will involve completing a number questionnaires, clinical assessments, physical health checks and providing a blood sample at an initial appointment, and then again at 6 and 12 months. Visits will either take place at Gloucester Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust or Somerset Partnership NHS Trust. 

To take part in the study you must:

  • Be aged 18 and over
  • Have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, psychosis or severe depression
  • Have a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes

DIAMONDS study team contact:

Dr Grace O'Carroll, Trial Coordinator  (Grace.ocarroll@york.ac.uk)

Lucy Sheehan, Trial Coordinator  (lucy.sheehan@york.ac.uk)

AWP Research and Development contact:

Teleri Dyer, Research Practitioner (Teleri.Dyer@nhs.net) 

 

This study closes on 31st May 2024
 

Staff (internal and external)

Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (POCD) is an under-recognised and under-diagnosed mental health issue. It is thought that about 1-in-5 parents experience POCD.

The Open Door project has involved interviewing people who have attended perinatal services about their views on the barriers to accessing psychological therapies and where they believe changes could be made. 

This part of the study aims to understand the views of healthcare professionals, including their suggestions for increasing access to services for people experiencing POCD.

To take part in the Open Door project, you must:

  • Have a professional role within healthcare
  • Work in NHS services or GP practice in England
  • Have a job role that includes (or has included within the past 10 years) working with people in the perinatal period and/or managing or commissioning services that include people in the perinatal period

Further information:

The study includes a 10-minute survey, which can be accessed by healthcare professionals. At the end of the survey, healthcare professionals will be asked whether they wish to be contacted by the research study team about taking part in a workshop. This workshop will take place online a couple of months after the survey part of the study is completed. Healthcare professionals can complete the survey without expressing interest in the workshop. 

A link to the Open Door project survey can be found here.

AWP Research and Development contact:

Alexandra Young (alexandra.young6@nhs.net)
 

This study will close on the 28th April 2023

 

Open Door logo.jpg

The University of Manchester are conducting a research study to understand staff and service user views about using digital devices, such as a smartphone or wearable device, to help manage mental health. 

The study team would like to hear the opinions of healthcare professionals about this topic, as well as how digital health tools could be used in mental healthcare delivery.  

The study will aim to survey at least 300 healthcare professionals who provide care for those with psychosis, schizophrenia or any other mental health problem with psychotic experiences (for example hallucinations or delusions). The study team would like those taking part in the survey to have a wide range of experience using technology. This includes people that already use a smartphone or wearable device, and those that do not. 

To take part in this study, you must:

  • Be aged 18 or above
  • Be a healthcare professional who provides care for individuals diagnosed with psychosis, schizophrenia, or any other mental health issue which includes psychotic experiences (for example hallucinations or delusions)

Additional information: 

You will be asked some questions about your age, occupation, and the service you work in. 

If you are able to take part, you will be asked to complete a survey; either online or using a paper copy. This survey will ask about your views of digital devices, as well as how these can be used in mental healthcare. 

The survey should take 20-30 minutes to complete. Survey responses are anonymous and there will be no way to identify the people that take part. 

By taking part in this survey, you service users are eligible to be entered into a prize draw to win £20 (as a voucher).

To read the participant information sheet and take part in the study, please click here

AWP Research and Development contacts: 

Harry Walker (harry.walker@nhs.net

 

This study closes on the 1st May 2024
 

The TOGETHER study is a feasibility Randomised Control Trial (RCT), which involves testing an intervention developed in Australia called 'Groups 4 Health' or 'G4H'. This evidence-based intervention targets social isolation to enhance mental health and well-being.

This study invites a diverse group of practitioners from NHS and non-NHS services who have current service-user facing roles, supporting young people aged 16-25 years-old with current mental health difficulties. 

If you decide to take part, you will first be asked to complete a consent form and then a short online survey. This survey includes questions about yourself, your professional experience, and your attitudes and beliefs about working with young people with mental health problems to support their social relationships and connections. This survey should take 10-20 minutes to complete. 

The TOGETHER study online consent form and survey can be found here.

AWP Research and Development contact: 

Mashal Asif (mashal.asif1@nhs.net
 

This study closes on the 30th June 2023

General studies

The University of Bristol and Sheffield are interested in better understanding how to make mental health services work better together to improve mental health and reduce mental health inequalities. 

To take part in this study you must: 

  • Be aged 18 years or above
  • For service users: Have accessed mental health services within Bristol or South Gloucestershire in the last 2 years
  • For staff: Have worked within mental health services within Bristol or South Gloucestershire 

Additional Information:

Those who are interested will be invited to talk about their views of integrated health services in a group workshop, either in person at a venue in Bristol or online. This workshop will last approximately 2 hours.

Service users will be given £50 as a thank you for their time. For those who attend a face-to-face workshop, reasonable travel costs will be covered. 

Study contact:

Katrina d’Apice 
Email: katrina.dapice@bristol.ac.uk
Telephone: 0117 455 3759

 

This study will close on the 31st December 2023