Centre for Equity in Mental Health Fully Funded Scholarships

Economic Impact of VCFSE Mental Health Support

Project supervisors

Dr Narayan Poudel (University of Huddersfield)​, ​Dr Vijay GC and Prof Laura Bojke (University of York)  

Title of proposed PhD project

Evaluating the Economic ​​Impact of VCFSE Organisations’ Interventions on Mental Health Outcomes and Cost Savings to the NHS in the West Yorkshire Region 

Abstract

Poor mental health (MH) is the largest cause of disability in the UK. It accounts for 21.3% of the total disease burden with significant associated human, economic and health and care costs. People across the UK generally face challenges in accessing MH services and support. Social inequalities, including income inequality and other intersecting inequalities, make this much worse. However, Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations play a vital role in reducing inequality by bridging the gap between communities’ needs and government services. VCFSE organisations deliver community-based health supports, early intervention, and social recovery. Across West Yorkshire, VCFSE organisations are key delivery partners within the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership (WYHCP).

C​apturing the economic and health contribution of these organisations, specifically their role in the prevention and early treatment, and how these translate to ​​direct cost savings or demand alleviation for local National Health Services (NHS), remains an evidence gap. Th​is ​PhD proposal should focus on evaluating the contribution of VCFSE organisations to deliver population mental health improvements and​ the ​economic contribution of VCFSE in this context.

We invite proposals from enthusiastic and highly motivated ​​candidates with a strong academic background in economics, health economics, public health, health services research, social policy, or a related discipline, to assess the health economic impact of VCFSE organisations’ interventions​,​ using quantitative ​and​ mixed methods approaches. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in health economics or quantitative research methods, with an understanding of complementary methodologies (such as qualitative or mixed methods approaches).

For subject specific enquiries please contact Dr Narayan Poudel n.poudel@hud.ac.uk.

Realist Evaluation of NHS Community Partnerships

Proposed PhD project title

A realist evaluation of partnership models between NHS provision and community assets to support mental health recovery.

Abstract

This PhD project sits within the Centre for Equity in Mental Health (CEMH), where research aims to address health inequalities across Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.  South West Yorkshire Partnership Teaching NHS Foundation Trust (SWYPTT) is a partner organisation which has developed innovative approaches to bridge the gap between NHS services and community assets; for example, Creative Minds is a charity hosted by SWYPTT, with a record of delivering 900 projects with 290 partner organisations focusing on creative interventions (the arts, recreation, horticulture, physical activity and sport). Such partnership models have been successful in bridging the gap between NHS services and the community and supporting the development and sustainability of many projects that support mental health. However, evidence is needed to explain how, why and in what context such models work. The current research aims to move beyond asking ‘if’ such models work and discover ‘why’ they work. We would welcome proposals for research in this area. An understanding of critical realism and/or scientific realist methodology would be an asset but is not essential.

Research aims

1. To develop a theory to explain what aspects of the Creative Minds model support community organisations.
2. Inform the development of a toolkit to support partnerships between NHS organisations providing MH services and community organisations.  

Research objectives

1. To conduct a realist evaluation of the Creative Minds model.
2. Evaluate feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness and accessibility in supporting mental health recovery.
3. Develop and refine and explanatory programme theory.
4. Co-produce partnership toolkit. 

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

Mental Health and Behaviour Change Using UK Biobank

Project supervisors

Dr Tianhua Chen (University of Huddersfield), Professor David Peebles (University of Huddersfield)

Proposed PhD project title

Understanding Mental Health and Behaviour Change Using UK Biobank Data

Abstract

Mental health is shaped by complex and evolving interactions between behaviour, lifestyle, social circumstances, physical health and the wider environment. Understanding these relationships is important for mental health prevention and intervention, but many existing studies rely on relatively small samples, cross-sectional designs or limited sets of variables. These limitations make it difficult to examine how mental health and behaviour change over time and why individuals may follow different mental health trajectories.

UK Biobank Health research data for the world provides a major resource for addressing these questions through its large-scale data on mental health, lifestyle, sleep, physical activity, social circumstances, physical health, biological measures and, for some participants, wearable-derived behaviour. Drawing on perspectives from mental health research and behavioural data science, this project will investigate patterns, predictors and trajectories of mental health and behaviour change. Possible topics include relationships between mental health and sleep, physical activity, social behaviour and lifestyle; factors associated with improvement or deterioration in mental health; and the identification of groups following different mental health and behavioural trajectories.

The student will undertake the complete quantitative research process. This will include reviewing relevant mental health and behavioural literature, formulating research questions, identifying suitable UK Biobank variables, contributing to the data-access application, developing analysis plans, constructing reproducible datasets, and implementing and interpreting appropriate quantitative methods. 

Possible approaches may include longitudinal and multilevel modelling, latent variable and trajectory models, survival analysis, causal-inference methods, and suitable machine learning techniques. Particular attention will be given to missing data, confounding, selection bias, measurement uncertainty, individual differences and the distinction between prediction and explanation.

We invite proposals that use UK Biobank data to address important questions concerning mental health and behaviour change. The precise topic and methods can be refined according to the applicant’s interests, expertise and the availability of relevant data. 

The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in mental health and experience in quantitative research. Applicants may come from psychology, mental health, epidemiology, public health, behavioural science, statistics, data science, health sciences, computer science or a related discipline. Experience with R, Python, Stata or comparable analytical software would be advantageous. Candidates are not expected to possess advanced expertise in every area but should be willing to develop interdisciplinary skills in mental health research, behavioural data science and large-scale longitudinal data analysis. 

For subject specific enquiries please contact Dr Tianhua Chen t.chen@hud.ac.uk.

Young Carers Supporting Adults with Mental Illness

Project supervisors

Ann-Louise Caress (UoH), Carolyn McCrorie (UoH), Danielle Stansfield (LBU); External Advisor from the Carers’ Network.

Proposed PhD project title

Lived Experience and Support Needs of Young Carers of Adults Living with Mental Health Difficulties

Abstract

This project will explore lived experiences and support needs of young carers of adults living with mental health difficulties.

It is estimated that around eight percent of the population of the United Kingdom – some 5.4 million people – have informal caring responsibilities, with around 400,000 of these being young carers (aged under 24 years old). Being a young carer can adversely affect an individual’s mental wellbeing, school attendance, socialisation and future plans. However, it can also lead to increased closeness to those they care for and greater resilience.

• Who provides informal care? - House of Commons Library
• Facts About Young Carers | The Children's Society

This PhD will seek to generate in-depth insights into what it is like to be a young carer, as well as exploring how young carers are currently supported and would wish to be supported. Findings will have potential implications policy and practice locally, nationally and nationally.

The successful candidate should have an interest in mental health, carers and young people. We anticipate that the research will employ participatory approaches and co-production. However, candidates will have the opportunity to shape the detailed design of the project in collaboration with the supervisory team.

For subject specific enquiries please contact Ann-Louise Caress at: a.caress@hud.ac.uk

Reducing Illicit Drug Use Project (RISUP)

Project supervisors

Dr Chris Retzler (University of Huddersfield)

Proposed PhD project title

Adaptation, implementation and evaluation of the Reducing Illicit Drug Use Project (RISUP) 

Abstract

Young people are at increased risk of trying substances as they go through adolescence. In a 2023 survey, 44% of 15-year-olds in England reported they had been offered drugs and 23% had taken drugs, and there is a worrying recent increase in those seeking treatment for drugs like cannabis, ketamine, cocaine, ecstasy and nitrous oxide. In addition, over 50% of those attending drug services have diagnoses of mental health disorders and many more are using drugs to self-medicate or deal with undiagnosed mental health issues (Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, 2023). There is therefore a need to find evidence-based, age- and generation- appropriate ways to successfully reduce the demand for recreational drugs.

The Reducing Illicit Substance Use Project (RISUP) has developed three complementary evidence-based and co-produced interventions. We have already conducted a realist evaluation of the approach and next want to co-produce improvements and adapt it for new populations, including those at increased risk of substance use and mental illness, such as young offenders.

This PhD will focus on adapting, implementing and evaluating a one-to-one intervention for young people (aged 11 - 25) who are already showing problematic use of substances. It will initially focus on engaging stakeholders, including young people, offenders, clinicians, youth workers, and policymakers, to adapt interventions to the specific needs of the young people before piloting them in community settings. 

The ideal candidate will have strong qualitative skills, knowledge of co-production methods, and be eager to learn about the development and testing of health interventions. 

For subject specific enquiries please contact Dr Chris Retzler: C.Retzler@hud.ac.uk

The benefits and challenges of faith-based organisations

Proposed PhD project title

Understanding the benefits and challenges of faith-based organisations' contributions to mental health service provision and support. 

Background and rationale

This PhD scholarship forms part of a wider programme of work to improve mental health support and outcomes for communities across Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. Faith-based organisations play an important role in supporting mental health and wellbeing within many communities and are often trusted sources of support, particularly for underserved populations. In addition to informal support, some organisations provide structured mental health interventions that are explicitly aligned with particular faith traditions.

While faith-based support may offer benefits such as accessibility, cultural relevance and trust, tensions may arise where faith-based perspectives differ from established mental health models or evidence-based interventions. There is therefore a need for a nuanced understanding of the ways in which faith-based organisations contribute to mental health support and service provision, and the opportunities and challenges associated with this involvement.

Findings from this research will inform efforts to strengthen community-based mental health support within the region, while generating insights with wider relevance for policy and practice.

Research aim

To understand, from a range of stakeholder perspectives, the benefits and challenges of faith-based organisations contributing to MH service provision and support

Research objectives

1. To gain understanding of the ways in which faith-based organisations contribute to MH service provision and support

2. To identify, from the perspective of a range of stakeholders, perceived benefits of faith-based organisations contributing to MH service provision and support

3. To identify, from the perspective of a range of stakeholders, perceived challenges of faith-based organisations contributing to MH service provision and support

Research methods

Applicants should propose and justify a methodological approach and research design that addresses the project aim and objectives. Approaches that explore the perspectives and experiences of relevant stakeholders are likely to be particularly valuable. The final study design will be refined with the supervisory team.

Application process

Applicants should submit a research proposal based on the project outlined above. The proposal should demonstrate a critical understanding of the relevant literature and evidence base. Applicants are encouraged to explain and justify their chosen methodology, including consideration of data collection and analysis methods, stakeholder involvement, and any ethical issues relevant to the proposed research. While the final study design will be developed in collaboration with the supervisory team, the proposal should demonstrate the applicant's ability to develop a coherent and feasible doctoral research project.

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