Funding boost for local mental health research

Teesside University was awarded the funding for mental health research

Mental health research in north-east England will expand thanks to a £2.5m boost in funding.

Teesside University, which was awarded the cash from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), said the money would fund academics to investigate and address mental health research challenges.

Research priorities identified in Teesside include targeted help for underserved communities, and the integration of physical and mental health.

Prof Emma Giles, who leads the project, said it was the first step to tackling "some of the biggest mental health challenges" in the region.

"This project is vastly important, especially given the high prevalence of mental health conditions in the North of England, specifically the Tees Valley area," she said.

"By identifying mental health research priorities, we begin a targeted approach to addressing some of the biggest mental health challenges and research gaps affecting our region."

Prof Giles, from Teesside University, is leading the project

The scheme will also build on previous research on the impact of diet-related conditions for adults with severe mental illness.

Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust and the University of York will collaborate with Teesside University on the project.

Professor David Ekers, Clinical Director for Research and Development at the trust, said: "This is an exciting and incredibly important development for our region.

"This award will grow research that meets the needs of our communities, and help improve health outcomes for Teesside and beyond in the years to come."

The project is one of two funded by the NIHR through the Mental Health Research Leader Awards.