The Bath 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.
Recognising the excellent work already happening locally, the group will actively engage with young people and service providers to ensure its research is grounded in the realities of the local community and addresses its most pressing needs.
The Bath MHRG has secured £11 million in funding over five years from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) as part of a major national initiative. This programme will establish up to ten new Mental Health Research Groups across the country, focusing on regions where mental health problems are common, but research activity and participation remain low. The initiative aims to strengthen long-term research capacity, address local priorities, and improve support for communities that are currently underserved.
The NIHR has committed an initial £27 million to support mental health research teams in nine regions across England. By increasing opportunities for diverse communities to participate in research, this investment will help improve treatments and support for those who need it most. Bath is among the first regions to benefit, marking an important step in expanding mental health research where it is needed most.
Dr Pamela Jacobsen, Director of the Bath MHRG, said: “Most mental health problems start young but too many go unrecognised or untreated. By improving life chances for young people in this neglected region, we aim to make the Bath MHRG a beacon of innovation in applied mental health research.”
Paul Moran, Professor of Psychiatry and Head of the Centre for Academic Mental Health in Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences (PHS), added: “I am delighted to be working with Dr Jacobsen and colleagues at the universities of Bath and Exeter on this newly funded NIHR Mental Health Research Group.
“Our Group plans to undertake a ground-breaking programme of research - one which we hope will make a difference to the mental health of young people living in the Southwest.”
Professor Ailsa Russell, Deputy Director of the Bath MHRG, explained: “Research can have an important role to play in supporting organisations and people to develop the excellent work they are already doing. However, research can be seen as a luxury in times of constrained resources and high demands.
“This investment is a rare opportunity to develop research partnerships and make a real impact locally. Through this funding we can increase the scope and size of connections between research and practice in an informed and collaborative way, hopefully improving outcomes for everyone.
The Bath MHRG aims to prevent mental health problems, improve outcomes for those already receiving care, and involve the public in shaping research through youth and stakeholder advisory groups.
Working in partnership with the universities of Bristol and of Exeter, local NHS providers, and community organisations, the group will develop practical, evidence-based solutions designed collaboratively with service providers and service users.