The MHRG, led by the University of Bath, in partnership with the universities of Bristol and Exeter, will focus on tackling the mental health challenges experienced by young people in Bath, North-East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire, with a focus on four key research areas:
- Evaluating and implementing digital treatments for young people experiencing depression and anxiety
- Improving mental health treatment for young people who have additional needs such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Developing new ways to reduce the harm smoking, drinking and drug use may cause to mental health.
- Finding ways to help young people who have had difficult early experiences, to stop this leading to poor mental health when they get older.
Children and young people, aged 12-25, will have the opportunity to help shape the research agenda, in partnership with local NHS services, schools, colleges, charities and social care. They will contribute to designing research activities as well as taking part in studies as participants.