Mental Health Leader Award: Teesside University, University of York, and Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust

📚 Sources & References

• Open Data Platform for mental health study recruitment) shows that out of 1,425 recruitment sites across England, 94 sites were in the North-East and North Cumbria (NENC) region. Of these 94, only 21 are in the TV. These 21 sites are running a total of 53 research studies (469 studies nationally). Of studies registered on the NIHR North East North Cumbria clinical research network (NIHR NENC CRN) mental health portfolio (data provided via personal communication for 2013 to 2023), 70 were based in the NENC, with only 13 (18.5%) from the TV. This proposal aims to address the high prevalence of mental health need and low level of research in the TV region. Our proposal will aim to establish a Mental Health Research Group (MHRG) within three years, to root mental health research in one of the most deprived geographical areas in England. TU is an anchor institution [4] and is one of the region s largest employers, with around 2,300 staff [5]. It has over 29,000 students, with over half residing within the North-East [6]. In 2018/19, 80% of students enrolled at TU were from disadvantaged backgrounds [7]. TU has been recognised as making a substantial positive contribution to the local economy [8] and supports and contributes to the Health and Care Innovation Zone Partnership Board, which is a cluster of health and social care organisations in the TV, aiming to reduce health inequalities [9]. Receipt of a Mental Health Leader Award (MHLA) will work to focus resources, attention, and mental health research in a geographical area most at need. Our Participant and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) work with adults with lived experience of mental ill health has identified local mental health research needs that align with the key priorities of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Integrated Care System North-East and North Cumbria (NENC ICS) [10, 11]. These include better understanding of transitions from child to adult mental health services, healthcare system design around treating concurrent physical and mental health conditions, and true integration between health and social care for mental health conditions. II. Eligibility and motivation of Teesside University as the host HEI TU is a key partner in NIHR Infrastructure funding (e.g. NIHR North-East and North Cumbria Applied Research Collaboration [NIHR ARC NENC], and Fuse
• The Centre for Translational Research in Public Health (co-applicant Professor Lake is an Associate Director) and is also a founding member of the NIHR School for Public Health Research. These infrastructures will be used to upscale to a substantial portfolio of impactful mental health research. Currently the University holds mental health research awards from funders including P