PhD funding for mental health social research

Our research focuses on the social dimensions of mental health, with a particular focus on social care and social work practice with people with mental health problems. We have expertise in the development and evaluation of social interventions; social outcome measurement; mental health social work; use of qualitative and quantitative methodologies; and the involvement of service users, carers and practitioners in our work.

We are currently working on the following studies:

• Evaluation of effectiveness of Community Navigators for people with depression
• Evaluation of effectiveness of social contact coaches for people with psychosis
• Evaluation of supported volunteering within a museum
• Evaluation of support provided to carers during periods of leave for people detained under
  the Mental Health Act
• Evaluation of community-enhanced social prescribing

We welcome applications which are aligned with our expertise, research interests and current studies. We are particularly interested in proposals which have the potential to impact on social work or social care practice in mental health settings and welcome proposals from practitioners who have some research training or experience. Proposals must focus on social work or social care practice with adults.

This studentship is funded by the NIHR School for Social Care Research (SSCR). The successful applicant will be expected to participate in activities organised by NIHR SSCR, particularly activities that involve other PhD students funded under this programme at other universities, and, as appropriate, other NIHR Academy activities.