Prevention Development Grant

Helen Eke  - University of Exeter

Project Title: The role of nature-based education in preventing emergence of mental health problems in neurodivergent adolescents

Brief summary: Neurodivergent young people (NYP) are different from other adolescents in the way their brains work, which includes those with a neurodevelopmental “disorder” such as autism, tics or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. NYP are more likely than other adolescents to develop additional mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, both in adolescence and later in life, and are less likely to do well in school, are absent more, and are often excluded. The rules and regulations in schools can increase feelings of stress and anxiousness for NYP, leading to later mental health problems. Forest schools, or other nature-based school options are outdoor education centres that are different from a traditional classroom. At a nature-based education setting, adolescents take part in a variety of activities and learn skills “hands-on”. Some research suggests that forest schools might be helpful to NYP in supporting them to learn but there is not much evidence, specifically about adolescents. In this development grant, we will conduct a scoping review and will draw together a team of experts across the Three Schools, as well as partners who are interested in working in this area, to explore exactly how and why we think nature-based education can prevent mental health problems. We will also continue public involvement, working with NYP, their families and outdoor school teachers to plan a wider project for a programme application in 2025.

Start / end dates: June 2024 - May 2025

Email: h.e.eke@exeter.ac.uk

Joe Hulin - University of Sheffield

Project Title: Suicide Prevention in Primary Care

Brief Summary: The aim of this work is to develop a research proposal to evaluate ways of supporting GPs to deliver care for people who self-harm or have suicidal feelings. To support this we will be undertaking a rapid review of the literature on suicide prevention interventions in primary care. We will focus on interventions which support integration with other mental healthcare services and VCSE organisations.

Start / end dates: June 2024 - November 2024

Email: j.hulin@sheffield.ac.uk

Helena Tuomainen - University of Warwick

Project Title: Co-creating integrated solutions involving young people, parents and teachers to prevent the emergence and escalation of mental health problems in adolescents of minority ethnic background

Brief Summary: The overall aim of our project is to prevent mental health problems arising and/or becoming worse in young people (11-14) of minority ethnic background. This includes: a) finding ways for parents/carers to recognise emerging mental health problems and support the mental health/wellbeing of their adolescent child; and b) identifying the best way of working together with young people, parents/carers and teachers to co-create solutions. Our project includes a scoping review of integrated solutions, and workshops with young people, parents/carers and teachers to help identify and co-design acceptable intervention elements. We will recruit participants from two secondary schools in east London and Birmingham, respectively, with high numbers of pupils from minority ethnic communities. We will also identify existing mental health support in target communities, build a research team, and develop a research proposal for the next stage of the project.

Start / end dates: June 2024 - November 2024

E-mail: helena.tuomainen@warwick.ac.uk