Developing digitally supported evidence-based Stepped Care Approach to School Mental Health and Wellbeing Provision​

Summary

This project is in collaboration with mdEducational Foundation.

Globally the mental health (MH) of young people (YP) is of increasing concern with over a quarter not seeking help when experiencing a MH difficulty, and over 50% with a MH diagnosis not receiving treatment.

There has been an increase in MH diagnosis of YP across the UK, widening the chasm between service provision and need, exacerbated by a shortage of MH professionals.

MH problems in childhood lead to increased adult MH difficulties, causing knock-on effects for services and society.

Attention is increasingly focussing on MH and wellbeing (MHWB) promotion and preventative strategies in schools, with evidence indicating that promotion of MHWB has significant long-term impact if implemented effectively.

Attention is also increasingly turning to digital innovation as an aid to augmenting MH.

​This PhD proposal aims to develop an evidence-base for MHWB provision in secondary schools, drawing upon existing research and through co-production engagement with stakeholders to determine what works and identify need within the context of digital innovations.

Following this, an intervention framework will be developed to provide MHWB provision to YP aged 11-18 years and evaluated to assess acceptability/effectiveness.

To meet these aims, four linked work packages are proposed, which incorporate collaboration with mdeducational foundation and placement at a university spin-out MH treatment company Pneuma Healthcare, that will provide a challenging programme of work.

Applicant Requirement:

Experience of co-construction work with children, experience of running psychoeducational groups

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship
• Evidence of academic writing skills (a short sample of academic written work of the applicant's choosing (Max 3 pages, A4, font 11)) – please upload in the section entitled Research Proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• A demonstrable interest in or experience of using open science methods

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period