Mental health
The Mental Health Research Group (MHRG) is led by Professor Karina Lovell, one of the leading mental health nurse researchers in the UK. The group prides itself on its outstanding international reputation for research and its vibrant, active and supportive environment.
The work of the group is informed by psychosocial models of mental health, particularly cognitive and behavioural approaches, and is committed to further enhancing a synergistic relationship between mental health research, education, policy and practice. As a group, we have a wide range of multidisciplinary collaborations locally, nationally and internationally. In addition, we have close links with NHS Trusts and user and carer organisations at local and national level.
The work of the MHRG is closely aligned with the research strategies and priorities of the School, Faculty, University and Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC).
Overall aim
The overall aim of the MHRG is:
- To undertake and disseminate high-quality national and international, interdisciplinary, mental health research that both influences and is responsive to contemporary mental health policy, practice and education
Research themes
The MHRG has two main programmes of research:
- Developing and evaluating complex interventions
Led by Professor Karina Lovell - Dementia and ageing research team (DART)
Led by Professor John Keady
Relationship to cross-cutting themes
The MHRG actively contributes to the following cross-cutting themes within the wider School:
- Complex interventions
- Patient experiences/user involvement
- Service delivery and organisation
- Methodology
Past achievements of the MHRG
The group undertakes a broad programme of multidisciplinary, multicentre research including the development and evaluation of psychological interventions using the phased approach recommended by the MRC for investigating complex interventions. As a group, we have a well-established reputation for developing and evaluating the acceptability, feasibility, efficacy, effectiveness and accessibility of psychological interventions in primary healthcare settings.
We also undertake research in older people’s mental health, with a range of funded projects in dementia care. Findings from our research have been published in a wide range of academic and professional journals, and members of the group have made substantial contributions to national policy and guidelines (e.g. NICE). As such, we have secured significant external research funding from prestigious funding bodies including, amongst others, MRC, NIHR Service Deliver and Organisation (SDO), NIHR Programme and Policy Grants, NIHR RfPB Programme and Alzheimer’s Society Quality Research in Dementia (QRD) funding.
Further information
