Taking part in PPIEP – working with researchers
Are you interested in participating in a clinical study or trial?
There are studies all over the UK looking for participants. Follow these links to find studies in your area:
UK
The NIHR’s Be Part of Research website allows you to search by condition and by location to see studies you could take part in.
Oxford
Southampton
Hear from our participants about taking part in research
This video, produced by MQ Mental Health Research, features two psychosis study participants. They discuss the symptoms of their conditions, experience of early intervention services and getting involved in psychosis research.
Other resources to learn about getting involved in research
What are Translational Research Collaborations?
NIHR Translational Research Collaborations (TRCs) are collaborative groups of experts, acting as hubs, rallying research communities across the UK. Our Mental Health Translational Research Collaboration (MH-TRC) brings together experts in mental health conditions from across the UK.
Become an NIHR public committee member
NIHR committees members help decide which research to prioritise and which research projects to fund. Committees usually consist of members who have a broad range of perspectives, knowledge, skills and experience. They include NHS clinicians and practitioners, academics, local government decision makers, and members of the public.
Digital Youth
The Digital Youth website provides a range of videos and podcasts, created in partnership between researchers and young people with lived experience of mental health difficulties, to encourage PPIEP best practice.
The Sprouting Minds PPI group gives young people an opportunity to work alongside research and give ideas about the process of taking part in mental health research.
Diversity in Research Group
The Diversity in Research Group (DIR) is a patient and public involvement group which aims to make involvement in health research more engaging to diverse communities, especially those not usually involved. Researchers talk to the group about their research and we discuss how it can reach a wider audience. The members are from communities under-represented in research.
Resources for people with lived experience
We recognise lived experience as a vital form of expertise in mental health research. This includes individuals who have experienced mental health challenges, as well as carers and others affected by these experiences.
People with lived experience contribute meaningfully to the strategy, governance, design, delivery, and dissemination of research. Their involvement is central to all our projects, whether through advisory roles or participation in studies such as focus groups and clinical trials.
How can you support mental health research?
There a re a number of roles available to support mental health research:
- Peer researcher working on a project -watch this video for more information
- Service user supporter/public member joining a research team.
- Advisor (E.g as a member of an advisory or working group focused on lived experience).
- Participation in workshops or online discussions related to the project
- Project design and development
- Training provided to help refine and design research methodologies
- Reviewing and defining opportunities for supporting those with lived experience
- Participating in steering and oversight groups
- Reviewing or designing data collection approaches, recruitment plans and data management proposals
- Exploration of preliminary findings to inform how results are interpreted
- Contribute to or co-authoring publications
- Co-development of outputs such as presentations and blogs
