Centre for Equity in Mental Health Fee Waiver Scholarships

Interventions for depression in young carers

Title of proposed project

Systematic review of psychological interventions for depression in young carers

Background and rationale

Depression is a major cause of illness and disability in young people, and the importance of timely and effective psychological interventions has been identified. This is especially important for young people given the difficulties accessing support from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). One way of improving access is to develop effective interventions that can be delivered by non-specialist workers in a range of settings. Behavioural activation (BA) is recommended as a first-line treatment for depression. Evidence supports its clinical and cost-effectiveness for adults, and it is suitable for delivery by non-specialist workers.

The Community-based Behavioural Activation Training for Depression in Adolescents (ComBAT) programme has been designed to provide and evaluate a brief BA intervention in the community for young people experiencing mild-to-moderate depression who do not reach the threshold for entry into CAMHS. ComBAT can be provided by a range of professionals in the community, through schools, colleges, and youth organisations.

The Centre for Equity in Mental Health (CEMH), in collaboration with the ComBAT team based at the University of York, are exploring the design and delivery of adapted versions of ComBAT to help vulnerable and underserved groups of young people and this MRES will inform this work with a focus on young carers.

Research aims

1. Literature review of the mental health needs of young carers

2. Systematic review of psychological interventions for depression in young carers

For subject-specific enquiries, please contact Professor Mike Lucock: m.lucock@hud.ac.uk

Interventions to support self-management

Title of proposed project

Systematic Review of brief psychological interventions to support self-management for long-term conditions

Abstract

About 40% of people with depression and/or anxiety disorders also have a long-term condition (LTC). It is therefore important to develop and evaluate accessible psychological interventions that support self-management to help people with LTCs to effectively manage their condition and maintain a good quality of life.

The Centre for Equity in Mental Health (CEMH) is exploring ways of providing support to help people to stay well despite ongoing social, personal and physical vulnerabilities and this includes the use of implementation intentions to support self-management. Previous work has developed the SMArT intervention, a strength-based approach which used implementation intentions to support self-management and relapse prevention and can target both physical and MH-related behaviours. SMArT is delivered face-to-face or remotely by Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners in NHS Talking Therapies Services. This systematic review will inform how it may be redesigned and delivered for people with LTCs, along with consultation work carried out by the CEMH.

For subject specific enquiries please contact Professor Mike Lucock: m.lucock@hud.ac.uk

Inequalities in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Title of proposed project

Understanding Healthcare Experiences and Health Inequalities in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Abstract

Applications are invited for a MRES studentship exploring the healthcare experiences of people living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) across Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield. ME/CFS is a complex, debilitating long-term condition that affects multiple aspects of daily life, including physical health, employment, education, social participation and wellbeing. Despite increasing recognition of the condition within policy and healthcare contexts, many individuals report difficulties accessing appropriate care, experiences of stigma and disbelief, and significant delays in diagnosis and treatment.

This project will investigate how people with ME/CFS experience healthcare services, with a particular focus on access, quality of care, health inequalities and patient outcomes. Working in partnership with people with lived experience, the successful candidate will undertake a co-produced mixed-methods study combining quantitative survey data with qualitative accounts of patient experiences. The research will explore interactions with primary, community and specialist healthcare services, identify barriers and facilitators to high-quality care, and examine how experiences vary according to demographic and illness-related factors.

The successful candidate should have a background in health sciences, nursing, public health, psychology, sociology or related disciplines and be interested in applied health research, patient experience, health inequalities and co-production.

For subject specific enquiries please contact Dr Carolyn McCrorie c.mccrorie@hud.ac.uk

Evaluation of a faith-based model of mental health

Title of proposed project

Evaluation of a faith-based model of mental health service provision and support in West Yorkshire

Abstract

This project will focus on evaluating an existing faith-based model of mental service provision and support in West Yorkshire.

Some individuals from under-served and minoritised groups may be reluctant to access mental health services and support due to fears around lack of alignment with religious or spiritual beliefs and values. Integrating culture and religion/spirituality with evidence-based treatments for underserved groups. Consequently, models of mental health service provision and support aligned with particular faith-based principles have been developed. This project will focus on evaluating such an approach being delivered in West Yorkshire.

Findings from the work will inform local service delivery and commissioning, as well as having the potential for wider regional and national impact.

The successful candidate should have an interest in mental health, service delivery and faith, religion or spirituality. We anticipate that the research will be a Realist Evaluation, employing a range of data collection and analysis approaches. However, candidates will have the opportunity to shape the detailed design of the project in collaboration with the supervisory team.

Names of supervisors

Amanda Firth (UoH), Rajeeb Sah (UoH, Anne-Marie Bagnall (LBU); External Advisor from an NHS partner (TBC)

For subject specific enquiries please contact Dr Amanda Firth a.d.firth@hud.ac.uk

Behavioural activation treatment for young carers

Title of proposed PhD project

The design and delivery of a behavioural activation treatment for young carers

Background and rationale

Depression is a major cause of illness and disability in young people and the importance of timely and effective psychological interventions has been highlighted. This is especially important for young people given the difficulties accessing support from Child and Adolescent MH Services (CAMHS). One way of improving access is to develop effective interventions that can be delivered by non-specialist workers in a range of settings. Behavioural activation (BA) is recommended as a first-line treatment for depression.

Evidence supports its clinical and cost-effectiveness for adults and is suitable for delivery by non-specialist workers. The Community-based Behavioural Activation Training for Depression in Adolescents (ComBAT) programme has been designed to provide and evaluate a brief BA intervention in the community for young people experiencing mild-to-moderate depression who do not reach the threshold for entry into CAMHS. ComBAT can be provided by a range of professionals in the community, through schools, colleges, and youth organisations.

The Centre for Equity in Mental Health (CEMH), in collaboration with the ComBAT team based at the University of York, is exploring the design and delivery of adapted versions of ComBAT to help vulnerable and underserved groups of young people, and this PhD will focus on young carers.

Research aims:

1. Literature review of the mental health needs of young carers

2. Systematic review of psychological interventions for depression in young carers

3. Consultation with young carers and professionals to co-design adapted ComBAT intervention.

4. Pilot of the delivery and effectiveness of an adapted ComBAT intervention with young carers.

For subject-specific enquiries please contact Professor Mike Lucock: m.lucock@hud.ac.uk

Supporting mental health recovery plans

Title of proposed PhD project

Supporting recovery plans of people with severe mental illness using implementation intentions

Background and rationale

Self-management after therapy (sMArT) is a brief four-session intervention that can be delivered remotely by Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners in NHS Talking Therapies Services. It is a strength-based approach which uses implementation intentions to support self-management and relapse prevention and can target both physical and mental health (MH) related behaviours.

This PhD will build on this work to explore the design and feasibility of an intervention to use implementation intentions to support people with severe mental illness (SMI) to engage with their recovery plans. This will include identifying where in the pathway the intervention is best provided, and which practitioners should provide and support it, including peer support workers. The PhD will benefit from excellent links with the South West Yorkshire Partnership Teaching NHS Foundation Trust and Creative Minds through the Centre for Equity in Mental Health.

Research aims

1. Systematic review of psychological interventions to support recovery plans for people with SMI.

2. Exploration of the design and delivery of a psychological intervention using implementation intentions to support recovery plans for people with SMI.

For subject-specific enquiries, please contact Dr Joanna Blackburn: j.blackburn3@hud.ac.uk

Evaluation of the Huddersfield Application for Mental Health Assessment (HAMHA)

Title of proposed PhD project

Evaluating the Huddersfield Application for Mental Health Assessment (HAMHA) for Children and Young People: A Practice-Based Study

Abstract

The increasing demand for children and young people's (CYP) mental health services has created significant pressure across the NHS, with thousands of young people experiencing lengthy waits for specialist assessment and support. At the same time, non-mental health professionals, including paediatric nurses, school nurses, health visitors and allied health professionals (AHPs), are often the first point of contact for CYP experiencing emotional distress, anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns. Despite their pivotal role, few evidence-based digital tools exist to support these practitioners in making safe, informed and defensible clinical decisions.

This PhD project will evaluate the Huddersfield Application for Mental Health Assessment (HAMHA), an innovative digital decision-support tool developed through a nationally funded programme of research led by the University of Huddersfield. The HAMHA was co-designed with non-mental health nurses, mental health specialists, AHPs, academics, researchers and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) professionals across the UK. Its purpose is to support non-specialist practitioners in identifying mental health needs, assessing risk, and determining appropriate interventions or referrals for CYP.

The proposed study represents the next critical stage in the HAMHA's development. While initial development and pilot evaluation have demonstrated strong acceptability and feasibility, further real-world testing is required to establish its effectiveness, safety, reliability and wider applicability across healthcare settings. The project will involve implementing the current Beta 2.1 version of the app within NHS teams working with CYP and collecting feedback from practitioners over a twelve-month period. Data will focus on the quality, usability, acceptability and practical utility of the tool in routine clinical practice.

This research has significant academic and societal value. National policy increasingly emphasises early intervention and prevention in mental health care, yet non-mental health professionals often report limited confidence in conducting mental health assessments. By evaluating a tool specifically designed to support this workforce, the study addresses an important gap in current knowledge and practice. Findings will contribute to the evidence base for digital decision-support technologies and inform best practice in CYP mental health assessment.

For subject-specific enquiries, please contact Professor Mike Doyle: m.doyle2@hud.ac.uk

Family-focused digital intervention

Title of proposed PhD project

Can a relationship-based, family-focused digital intervention improve emotional wellbeing and reduce demand on specialist mental health services among children and young people?

Abstract

This PhD project will evaluate and further develop the LOHA platform, an innovative digital psychosocial intervention designed to support children and young people (CYP), their families, and the professionals involved in their care. LOHA has been co-designed with stakeholders and aims to optimise care delivery and multi-agency working across mental health services and wider care pathways where psychological support is required, including long-term conditions, weight management and sleep services.

The platform provides accessible, early intervention resources for families when concerns arise about a young person's emotional wellbeing or mental health. Through a series of digitalised activities involving drawing, writing and structured reflection, LOHA facilitates meaningful conversations that help identify worries, concerns and experiences affecting CYP. The platform also incorporates dedicated training resources for parents and carers, alongside professional training and guidance materials for health and social care practitioners, supporting effective and consistent implementation.

This PhD will utilise co-design methodologies to explore the optimal settings, services and care pathways for the delivery of LOHA and to understand how the platform can be integrated into routine practice. Particular focus will be given to community-based mental health services and long-term condition pathways, both areas experiencing increasing demand and pressure on resources. The research will examine how families and professionals engage with the technology, the acceptability and usability of the platform, and the factors that influence successful implementation.

Using qualitative methods, the study will evaluate the effectiveness of LOHA in supporting parents and carers to enhance young people's emotional wellbeing and prevent the escalation of mental health difficulties. It will also explore the perspectives of families, health professionals and social care practitioners regarding the value of the platform, identify areas for refinement, and establish where LOHA can have the greatest impact. Findings will inform future development of the intervention and contribute to evidence-based approaches for supporting CYP mental health and reducing demand on specialist services.

For subject-specific enquiries, please contact Bethan Hebberd: b.b.hebberd@hud.ac.uk

Investigating the link between neuroinflammation and depression

Title of proposed PhD project

Investigating Neuroinflammation, Cell Fate Signalling and Depression: Towards Novel Therapeutic Targets for Mental Health

Abstract

Applications are invited for a project exploring the biological mechanisms underpinning depression and other mental health conditions. This interdisciplinary

project brings together expertise in molecular bioscience and mental health research to investigate how inflammation influences brain health and contributes to the development of Major Depressive Disorder.

Depression is increasingly recognised as a neuroimmune disorder, with growing evidence linking chronic inflammation to changes in brain structure and function. However, the mechanisms through which inflammatory signals contribute to poor mental health remain poorly understood. This project will examine how inflammatory mediators affect neural stem cell survival, regeneration and function through processes such as apoptosis, autophagy and cellular senescence. By understanding how these pathways influence neurogenesis, the research aims to uncover new insights into the biological basis of depression and identify potential targets for future therapeutic intervention.

The successful candidate will undertake a programme of laboratory-based and translational research, integrating molecular and cellular approaches with the analysis of clinical and biomarker data. The project offers excellent opportunities to develop advanced skills in cell biology, molecular neuroscience, biomarker research and interdisciplinary mental health research.

This studentship is ideal for applicants with a background in biomedical sciences, neuroscience, pharmacology, psychology, molecular biology, or a related discipline who have an interest in understanding the biological basis of mental health conditions.

For subject-specific enquiries, please contact Dr Joanna Fox: J.fox3@hud.ac.uk

Arts-based intervention for trans people

Title of Proposed PhD Project

Creative Communities, Identity and Mental Health: Evaluating an Arts-Based Intervention for Trans People

Abstract

Applications are invited for a project within the Centre for Equity in Mental Health (CEMH) at the University of Huddersfield. This interdisciplinary project will explore the potential of arts-based approaches to support the mental health and wellbeing of trans communities through creative participation, co-production and community engagement.

Recent social, political and policy developments have highlighted growing concerns about the mental health impacts experienced by many trans people, including increased anxiety, social exclusion and barriers to participation in public life. This project will investigate whether connecting trans people with queer and trans artists

can function as a meaningful public health intervention that promotes wellbeing, belonging, resilience and social connection.

Working within the wider Amplification Project, the successful candidate will contribute to the co-design and evaluation of an artist development programme created in partnership with trans communities and creative practitioners. The research may include mapping creative networks, exploring experiences of participation, examining mechanisms through which arts engagement influences mental health, and assessing the feasibility and acceptability of community-based interventions.

Applications are welcomed from candidates with backgrounds in psychology, public health, sociology, social sciences, music, arts and humanities, community studies, health research, or related disciplines. Applicants with an interest in mental health equity, participatory research and creative methodologies are particularly encouraged to apply.

For subject-specific enquiries, please contact Dr Rebekah Moore: r.moore2@hud.ac.uk

Arts-Based approaches to paediatric healthcare

Title of Proposed PhD Project

Creative Health, Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing: Exploring Arts-Based Approaches to Paediatric Healthcare and Public Health

Abstract

Creative Health approaches are increasingly being recognised for their potential to support mental health, wellbeing and wider health outcomes. Drawing on capability-based approaches to understanding the relationship between creative participation, health and wellbeing (such as the Capabilities Framework for Evaluation), this PhD will explore how arts-based and digital creative interventions can support children’s mental health and wellbeing in relation to paediatric healthcare and public health.

Children and families accessing healthcare can experience anxiety, uncertainty and potentially traumatic encounters. The project will investigate how creative approaches might help children to prepare for and engage with healthcare experiences, while creating opportunities for expression, connection, agency and participation. A particular focus will be placed on health inequalities and public health, examining how socioeconomic circumstances, ethnicity, disability, geography

and other wider determinants of health shape children’s mental health, their experiences of healthcare, and their opportunities to access and benefit from Creative Health approaches. The project will consider the potential of creative approaches not only within clinical settings, but also as part of prevention, early intervention and community-based approaches to improving children’s health and wellbeing.

The research will use a co-design and mixed-methods approach, bringing together children and families, people with lived experience, NHS clinicians, Creative Health practitioners and relevant community organisations. Participatory and creative methods could include storytelling, puppetry, animation, photo-elicitation, workshops and collaborative mapping, alongside digital and immersive approaches such as virtual and augmented reality. Qualitative methods could explore children’s and families’ experiences and perspectives, while quantitative measures could examine outcomes relating to mental health, wellbeing, quality of life, engagement and healthcare experiences.

The project will generate new evidence about the contribution of Creative Health to children’s mental health and wellbeing across healthcare and community contexts. It will aim to develop co-produced creative approaches and practical recommendations for healthcare, public health and Creative Health practitioners. More broadly, the research will contribute to understanding how creative participation can support children’s health and capabilities, while addressing inequalities and informing prevention and population health approaches.

Names of supervisors

Prof Persephone Sextou (Leeds Beckett University), Professor Rowan Bailey (University of Huddersfield), Professor Anne-Marie Bagnall (Leeds Beckett University), Dr Danielle Varley (Leeds Beckett University)

For subject-specific enquiries, please contact Professor Rowan Bailey: r.bailey@hud.ac.uk

Barriers and facilitators to accessing disability support

Title of Proposed PhD Project

Barriers and facilitators to accessing disability and mental health support among international nursing students at UK universities

Abstract

International nursing students are a growing and vital part of the UK nursing workforce, yet many struggle in silence: navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems, acculturative stress and disclosure decisions that shape whether they get support for disability or mental health needs. These two domains are frequently co-located within university inclusion and wellbeing services, but are almost never studied together, despite disability disclosure carrying its own distinct barriers, from stigma and unfamiliarity with UK support systems to cross-cultural differences in how disability itself is understood, and, for nursing students specifically, placement-based occupational health processes that add a further, largely unexamined layer of complexity.

This PhD will investigate the barriers and facilitators to accessing disability and mental health support among international nursing students across UK universities, generating evidence to close this gap and drive tangible improvements to institutional practice. Using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, Phase 1 will survey international nursing students nationally on awareness, service use, accessibility and help-seeking intentions, using validated instruments alongside bespoke disability disclosure items. Phase 2 will build on these findings through in-depth, one-to-one interviews, purposively sampled to capture diverse experiences of disclosure and support-seeking. Integrating both strands through a joint display will produce a richer, more actionable picture than either method alone.

Co-production sits at the heart of this project: a lived-experience advisory panel of international students will help shape the survey and interview questions, interpret findings, and co-design outputs for dissemination. The successful candidate will produce practical, evidence-based recommendations to improve induction, disclosure processes and support design for international nursing students UK-wide, contributing directly to the Centre for Equity in Mental Health's work on optimising care pathways, multi-agency working, co-production and capacity building.

For subject-specific enquiries, please contact Dr. Precious Adade Duodu: p.a.duodu@hud.ac.uk

Interventions for Clinical and Community Recovery

Project supervisors

Dr Chris Retzler (University of Huddersfield), Dr Louisa Peters (Leeds Trinity University) 

Proposed PhD project title

Reimagining the recovery journey: Exploring interventions that bridge the gap between clinical care and community recovery 

Abstract

Cases of serious mental illness (SMI) are increasing globally, and recovery rates have been reported to be as low as 30-40% (MHFA England, 2020). Consequently, there are increasing demands for clinical mental health services, yet traditional service providers are struggling to meet increasing needs due to funding and resource limitations. Despite recognition of community assets within healthcare policy in the UK, clinically trained professionals continue to be responsible for the diagnostic and therapeutic elements of treatment, and the majority of such clinicians work within formal healthcare settings.

Nevertheless, examples are emerging in which interdisciplinary approaches are creating innovative pathways to recovery that are embedded in the places where people live.  Clinical expertise is being shared beyond traditional clinical care settings, community assets are being mobilised, and creative/arts practice is being recognised as a valued means to engage recovery. These approaches challenge assumptions about where healing and recovery can occur and help to redress conventional power imbalances and social health inequalities that contribute to poor recovery. Examples include the RISUP project, which developed an evidence-based intervention manual for drug-service support workers working with young people RISUP youth drug use reduction project boosted by £500,000 grant - University of Huddersfield ; the Community-based Behavioural Activation Training for Depression in Adolescents (ComBAT) programme About ComBAT -, which enables behavioural activation interventions to be delivered across schools, colleges, and youth organisations and the Creative Communities Framework, which explores how non-clinical, community arts engages recovery from serious mental illness Developing the Creative Communities Framework for Living Well With Serious Mental Illness: Findings From a Realist Evaluation - Smyllie‐Peters - 2025 - Journal of Community Psychology - Wiley Online Library.

We invite proposals to explore these new approaches to recovery using mixed methods approaches that help us identify the mechanisms of change that explain how and why such approaches can support personal recovery from SMI. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in either quantitative or qualitative research methods, with a solid understanding of complimentary methodologies and mixed methods approaches.

For subject specific enquiries please contact Dr Chris Retzler c.retzler@hud.ac.uk.