We will play a leading role in delivering a major new national mental health research initiative, following the announcement that Lancaster University has been awarded almost £11 million to establish one of England’s new National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Mental Health Research Groups (MHRGs).
The initiative aims to transform how mental health research is carried out by embedding researchers directly in local communities and primary care settings. The goal is to develop more proactive, preventative approaches that reach people long before they get to a crisis point.
More than 13,000 people in Lancashire and South Cumbria are living with a severe mental illness, and parts of the region experience some of the highest addiction- and suicide-related death rates in England. The new research group will work to address these inequalities by co‑producing solutions with local residents and community organisations.
In partnership with the University of Manchester and King’s College London, the programme will focus on:
- Supporting people with severe and complex mental health needs
- Improving mental health support for mothers and families
- Addressing substance misuse and related harms
- Improving attendance at GP health checks
- Tackling stigma and widening research participation
Gareth Thomas, Chief Medical Officer said:
“I am delighted that we are part of this innovative research led initiative. Research plays a critical role in shaping safe, effective and equitable mental health care. The NIHR Mental Health Research Groups (MHRGs) programme will help us build sustainable, co‑designed mental health solutions that directly improve access to effective, inclusive care and reduce inequalities.
By working in partnership with Lancaster University and with mentoring from colleagues at King’s College London and the University of Manchester we can strengthen the link between evidence, lived experience, clinical practice and community need, ensuring innovation delivers real benefit across Lancashire and South Cumbria where the need is greatest.”
Andrew Pennington, Associate Director of Research and Development said:
“We are proud to act as the NHS host site for this significant investment in our region. By bringing research into the heart of our communities, we can ensure that innovation translates into meaningful improvements in access, prevention and support for the people we serve. The MHRGs programme forms a major step towards our goal of tackling health inequalities across our region.”
Farah Lunat, Research Operations Manager added:
“Lancashire and South Cumbria is home to a diverse population, representing a wide range of heritages, cultures, and backgrounds. For the research we do to be relevant, we must find new, creative ways of ensuring as many people as possible can input into research that reflects their life experiences as well as meeting their health needs.”
The £11m investment is part of a wider £55 million programme funded by the NIHR to strengthen mental health research in under-served areas across England. Other host universities include Plymouth, Keele, Lincoln and Huddersfield.
