The University of Bath has been awarded £11 million by the Government to invest in vital mental health research for the local community.
Somerset is one of nine areas to receive a share of £27 million to explore the issues that most affect local people and better understand how to tackle them, in a bid to increase mental wellbeing.
The funding granted to the University of Bath will be used to establish one of the nation’s first Mental Health Research Groups (MHRG), that will work closely with communities to develop and undertake research to address local mental health needs.
Research will centre around mental health challenges in children and young people across the region.
Since 2012, the rate of hospital admissions for self-harm among 10–24-year-olds in Bath and North East Somerset has consistently exceeded the national average.
The group established will form part of NIHR’s Mental Health Research Initiative, which seeks to help improve care and outcomes for local people, by building a sustainable infrastructure and regional capability in applied mental health research.
Baroness Merron, Minister for Mental Health said: “Mental illness is one of the biggest challenges we face, but most research into these conditions hasn’t reflected the breadth of experiences faced by different communities in different parts of the UK.
“There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution to mental health, so it’s really important that health leaders in Somerset and elsewhere have the evidence they need, based on research, to provide the most effective care.
“We’re committed to giving mental health the focus it deserves, and this funding is a huge step forward for mental health research right across the country.”
Professor Lucy Chappell, CEO of the National Institute for Health and Care Research: “Mental health issues can affect any of us. We know that more researchers and research participants will lead to better treatments and support for people and communities affected by mental health issues.
“These Mental Health Research Groups will target the mental health research to the areas that need it most, meaning we can quickly start to make a real difference in key areas such as young people’s mental health and addiction.”
NHS England data published earlier this month shows that more than 1,950,000 people in the UK were in contact with mental health services in July 2024, a rise of over 100,000 compared to the year before.
The data also reveals stark inequalities across the country in access to effective mental health support, with many regions experiencing high rates of mental health conditions unable to participate in research.
Prathiba Chitsabesan, National Clinical Director for Children and Young People’s Mental Health, at NHS England said: “Mental health problems are on the rise and the need for innovation in prevention and treatment has never been greater than now.
“Mental health research can contribute to saving lives, reducing distress and improving outcomes for our local communities.
“We must be collectively ambitious to achieve parity of esteem in mental health.”
