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The Institute of Mental Health Research at York

Bringing people together and sharing their knowledge and experiences to improve lives through better mental health.

The Institute of Mental Health Research epitomises our determination here at the University of York to bring together ambitious, enquiring academics and students with partners working at the forefront of mental health. 

The experiences and insights of service users, frontline professionals, policy makers and the public inspire what we do and are at the heart of our work.

Contact us

imry@york.ac.uk

Our vision is to enhance the lives of all people affected by mental health problems, and to reduce the risk and impact of difficulties and disabilities linked to mental health. We do this by sharing the expertise and insights of people from different disciplines and with a wide range of life experiences.

Professor Lina Gega, Director, the Institute of Mental Health Research at York.

The launch 

We launched the Institute of Mental Health Research at York (IMRY) in October 2022. The Institute embraces University staff, students, alumni, donors and affiliates, who have ‘mental health’ as a common ground in their work.

We also bring together external partners and beneficiaries who have a vested interest in mental health, including the NHS and social care; education and academia; the justice system; the industry and business sector; charitable/voluntary organisations; communities and the general public.

Research Showcases

The University of York has a strong track record in mental health research. What makes our work distinctive is the plurality of disciplines that lead and apply mental health research across the Sciences, Social Sciences and Arts and Humanities. 

We have conducted some of the world’s first and largest clinical trials in mental health, with exemplary economic evaluations and evidence syntheses. Our influential work on health and social policy, inequalities and social determinants of poor physical and mental health is complemented by our global initiatives to improve the lives and care of people with mental illness in low- and middle-income countries. We have advanced the philosophical and sociological understandings of emotional experiences and human responses to adverse or changing circumstances. Our innovations in creative media and digital technologies have enabled us to reach wide and diverse audiences.

Walk the extra mile for mental health!

«For much of my life I have found that walking long distances (often with four-legged friends) has been beneficial to my mental health. I see this event as an opportunity to use the act of walking, which has been so helpful to me, as a means of raising money that will help to improve the mental health of others.»- A Great York Walker, 2023

The Great York Walk is a 25 mile (40km) charity walking challenge taking place on Saturday 18th May 2024 to raise funds for Mentally Fit York.

Those who would prefer a shorter route they can take on the 6.25miles/10km or the 12.5miles/20km route.

Enter now

Mentally Fit York funding- May 2024 Round

The aim of the Mentally Fit York fund is to transform mental health on a local, national and international scale, through supporting the latest ground-breaking research and initiatives stemming from this.

Applications for the May round are now open.

For consideration at this round, please submit your application by midnight on 1 May 2024. 

Apply now

Events

Events led or co-led by IMRY plus other mental health related events at the University and events organised by external friends and partners.