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  • 1 July 2020 to 31 March 2021
  • Project No: 472
  • Funding round: FR19

AIM OF OUR RESEARCH

We will review the existing research to find interventions that support the detection of mental health problems in older people. We will focus on interventions delivered by services that would not “traditionally” be involved in healthcare, such as fire and rescue, police, and library services. We want to understand how, when and where these sorts of interventions work.

WHAT DO WE KNOW ALREADY?

Mental health problems are experienced by one-in-four people in the UK. Older people may experience common issues and events that can put a strain on their mental health, including:

-     Physical health problems (like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease)

-     Loss of mobility

-     Distressing life events (like the death of loved ones)

Research tells us that older people often delay seeking help for mental health problems. They may not recognise early signs, may feel ashamed about what they are experiencing, or may have limited access to services. If mental health problems are left untreated they can affect quality of life and relationships with others.

 

The NHS is keen for other public services to support them to deliver healthcare. This could help the public to access healthcare and relieve some of the pressure on NHS services.

WHAT WILL WE DO?

We will identify a broad range of research from published journals, public sector reports, policy documents, and knowledge from experts. We will identify the key components of mental health interventions delivered by non-NHS public services. We will create a model to explain how these interventions work best.

A mixed group of advisors (including clinicians, public sector workers, members of the public) will support this project.

HOW WILL WE SHARE OUR FINDINGS?

We will share findings from this review with a variety of audiences including: researchers, clinicians, public sector workers, NHS commissioners and the public.

 

co-applicants

Carolyn Chew-Graham, Nadia Corp (Keele)

 

Amount awarded: £34 994.00

Projects by themes

We have grouped projects under the five SPCR themes in this document

Evidence synthesis working group

The collaboration will be conducting 18 high impact systematic reviews, under four workstreams.