Co-producing user-led mental health social action workshops
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A new approach to public dialogue: co-producing user-led training for mental health social action workshops in underserved communities
IRAS ID
333999
Contact name
Sian Lowri Griffiths
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 7 days
Research summary
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a rising tide of mental health difficulties. Societal inequities have also been further exposed and will only widen with the cost-of-living crisis. This is concerning given that our previous research has demonstrated a clear link between severe mental illness and poorer outcomes for ethnic minority individuals and those from disadvantaged and marginalised communities.
Participation in research and innovation increases quality of care and improves mental health outcomes. Yet despite stark evidence, minority groups from underserved communities lack representation in research. There is a significant need, now more than ever, to address these disparities and ensure care is equitable for all.
We need innovative ways to improve engagement with our most vulnerable and marginalised groups, and this requires a cultural shift in how we deliver research. Working with and hearing from young people with lived experience who represent these diverse communities is pivotal to guiding research and preventative strategies.
We have an existing close partnership with our Youth Advisory Group (YAG), advising on world leading research at the University of Birmingham’s Institute for Mental Health (IMH). However, there is a recognised need to further diversify and sustain our user voice and ensure that those from minority and marginalised groups are adequately represented.
We will work with Black youth with lived experience of serious mental health problems (with additional input from mental health clinicians and carers) to co-design a user-led training package addressing issues around intersectionality and stigma, with the goal of improving mental health literacy. The training will be designed and delivered by lived experience experts via social action workshops to underserved communities in Birmingham and to organisations serving these communities.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
24/ES/0030
Date of REC Opinion
24 May 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion