The NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) National Priorities Programme in mental health was set up in October 2020 to support national collaborations and changes in mental health practice

The MHIN programme aims to evaluate the co-produced, evidence-based mental health interventions, to improve the wellbeing of adults, children and young people in in England. There will be a strong focus on public and community involvement.

They are looking to identify solutions for four priority projects:

  • Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)-style services for children and adolescents, especially in schools
  • Physical health care for people with severe mental illnesses
  • Community access and engagement for minority ethnic communities for mental healthcare
  • Integrated care protocols for co-occurring mental illness and substance misuse.

These solutions can then be implemented for each of the four priority projects in the next phase of our work which starts in 2022.

The MHIN Advisory Board meets quarterly. Board members may be asked to contribute and comment on papers in advance of meetings which will be held online. The role includes:

  • Providing guidance on the development and implementation of the MHIN programme
  • Acting as a source of advice
  • Providing reflection and learning to the MHIN
  • Providing feedback on the direction of the MHIN and how the MHIN is delivering against its strategy
  • Researching specific issues to feed back to the MHIN Executive as discussed and agreed
  • Identifying stakeholders and develop relationships and networks.

Advisory Board members will receive £125 for attending each of the four meetings annually (£500 per year to include preparation for meetings).

Benefits of attending MHIN Advisory Board meetings include:

  • The chance to work in a group with leaders in the field of mental health and research
  • An opportunity to learn more about research
  • Enhanced CV
  • Using lived experience to bring about positive change

Read more and complete the expressions of interest form.

Read more about the MHIN

Please send your expressions of interest by  12 noon on Monday 7 Feb.