From evidence to equity: shaping the next phase of mental health research in YH ARC
Online
Monday 22nd June 2026
Join us online! From evidence to equity: shaping the next phase of mental health research in ARC Yorkshire and Humber
Mental ill-health is one of the leading drivers of health inequality, with 2.8 million people economically inactive due to mental ill-health and people living with severe mental illness experiencing a life expectancy gap of up to 20 years. These challenges underline the urgent need for prevention, early intervention, and equitable access to effective care.
In this seminar, the Mental Health Theme at York will outline our strategy for the next phase of the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) Yorkshire & Humber. We will reflect on key lessons from the previous YHARC, including what has worked, where challenges remain, and how this learning is shaping our future direction.
We will also share our planned approach to improving mental health outcomes for children and young people in deprived communities and addressing the physical health inequalities facing people living with severe mental illness. The session is intended as a discussion with stakeholders, including practitioners, commissioners, voluntary sector partners, and experts by experience, to explore priorities, identify challenges, and help shape the next phase of our work.
Our guest speakers:
- Dr Ruth Wadman, Associate Professor of Children and Young People’s Mental Health, University of Bradford.
Dr Ruth Wadman is an experienced researcher in children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. A core part of her work is the thoughtful and reciprocal involvement of young people, to shape the research that impacts them. Ruth is the workstream lead for children and young people in the ARC Mental Health theme.Claire is a registered mental health nurse whose research focuses on the relationship between mental and physical health. She has a particular interest in health inequalities experienced by people who have severe mental illness, with the overall aim of reducing the expanding mortality gap. Claire is the workstream lead for severe mental illness in the ARC Mental Health theme.
- Dr Claire Carswell, NIHR Advanced Research Fellow, University of York.
Dr Claire Carswell is a registered mental health nurse whose research focuses on the relationship between mental and physical health. She has a particular interest in health inequalities experienced by people who have severe mental illness, with the overall aim of reducing the expanding mortality gap. Claire is the workstream lead for severe mental illness in the YHARC Mental Health theme.
- Dr Lewis Paton, Lecturer, University of York
Dr Lewis Paton’s research focusses on how we can use data and advanced quantitative methods to better understand mental health. He has a particular interest in understanding the risks and benefits of technology, including online environments. He is the Deputy Theme Lead for the ARC Mental Health theme in York.
Price
Ticket price
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