Multimillion-pound boost for regional mental health research

Teesside University has secured a prestigious National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Mental Health Research Leader Award of nearly £2.5m to build infrastructure, capacity and capability in applied mental health research.

The award funded by the NIHR will support academics from the University’s School of Health & Life Sciences and School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law as they establish, explore and address key mental health research challenges in the region.

The project, led by Professor Emma Giles, has already identified key priorities for mental health research in the Tees Valley, including research in underserved groups, the integration of physical and mental health, and building on previous research understanding the impact of diet-related conditions for adults with severe mental illness (SMI).

Teesside University will continue to develop this work, using funding to undertake consultation and policy exercises in partnership with Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust and the University of York.

Professor Giles, from the School of Health & Life Sciences, said: “This project is vastly important, especially given the high prevalence of mental health conditions in the North of England, specifically the Tees Valley area.

“By identifying mental health research priorities, we begin a targeted approach to addressing some of the biggest mental health challenges and research gaps affecting our region.

“The vision is to build upon Teesside University’s work as an anchor institution in the Tees Valley and support our local community as a leading NIHR Mental Health Research Group.”

Professor David Ekers, Clinical Director for Research and Development at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, added: “This is an exciting and incredibly important development for our region.

“This award will grow research that meets the needs of our communities and help improve health outcomes for Teesside and beyond in the years to come.

“Our Trust will support the project as it evolves. We will collaborate with partners to establish high-quality research embedded within local communities and health care systems that will have relevance locally, nationally and internationally.”

Professor Peter Coventry, from the University of York, said: “As the lead of the NIHR Mental Health Research Group at the University of York, we will foster collaborations with regional health and social care organisations and provide mentorship to build research capacity.

“This is with the aim to propel transformative mental health research that directly tackles the needs of underserved populations.

“This will catalyse growth in mental health research in the North East, addressing both local and systemic inequalities.”

The project is one of two funded by the NIHR through the Mental Health Research Leader Awards, which last five years once issued.

---