Suffolk Mind wins OSC funding for mental health research

Suffolk Mind, an independent mental health charity, has been awarded an Open Societal Challenges (OSC) funding grant to undertake a new research project which aims to address low response rates and the under-representation of mental health service users in research and evaluation activities.

The project seeks to better understand the barriers preventing individuals with mental ill-health from engaging in important research efforts. By fostering inclusivity and accessibility, the charity aims to ensure its services more accurately reflect the needs of the communities it serves.

The research will be conducted in three phases over a year. Initially, Suffolk Mind will establish a baseline response rate using its historical evaluation data. This will be followed by an in-depth exploration of accessibility challenges through literature reviews and consultations with experts from the local ‘Mind’ charity network. The final phase will include co-production with service users to develop evidence-based guidelines for conducting mental health research in an inclusive and supportive manner.

Suffolk Mind's Research Team, established in 2015, is spearheading the project alongside academic collaborators from The Open University (OU). The team will use a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods to gather insights. Findings will inform the development of a comprehensive guidance document to help other mental health organisations improve their research and evaluation approach. Lotte Tyndale-Hardy, Suffolk Mind’s Research and Evaluation Manager and OSC project lead, highlighted the significance of this funding: “This grant allows us to bridge a critical gap in mental health research by ensuring the voices of under-represented individuals are heard. It’s a step towards creating a more inclusive and responsive approach to mental health.”

Beyond benefiting Suffolk Mind’s activities, the project aims to share its findings widely through publications, workshops, and presentations at national conferences. The ultimate goal is to establish Suffolk Mind as a hub of expertise for mental health research, empowering other organisations to adopt more inclusive practices.

The £25,000 grant from the OU’s Open Societal Challenges funding platform will support key activities, including data collection, analysis, and outreach. In addition to the funding the OU will support these activities by working collaboratively with the charity and providing academic support and excellence. With this collaborative project, Suffolk Mind and the OU hope to create a lasting impact, optimising mental health services to meet the needs of those who rely on them most and driving systemic change in mental health research practices.