Partnership to tackle young people’s mental health

The University of Reading is part of a £35.4 million award for mental and brain health, working with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, University of Oxford, and other NHS and higher education partners.

In particular, the University of Reading’s contribution to the Mental Health in Development Theme will include research and clinical work to address mental health conditions in young people. And, as part of this network of expertise, additional opportunities for collaboration and further funding are expected in the future.

Professor Stella Chan, who is leading on behalf of the University of Reading said: “We are absolutely delighted to hear that the Oxford Health BRC has received funding from the NIHR to continue our work.

“It is in this transformational, interdisciplinary space that research findings evolve into treatments and patients' benefit.

“Mental ill health is a growing issue in the UK. Alongside our unique research-led Anxiety and Depression in Young People (AnDY) Clinic, Charlie Waller Institute, and Reading Resilience Network, we hope to further the reach and accelerate impact of the work of the Oxford Health BRC through our expertise and networks across NHS and third sector services."

The award, which consists of 11 themes, was announced on Friday 14 October, as part of a package of nearly £800 million funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) for 20 Biomedical Research Centres (BRC) in a competitive process involving international review.