The university’s new College of Health and Science has kicked off a significant-minded leadership research incubator. This initiative focuses on addressing the mental health care for rural communities. Led by director of research, Professor Eleanor Bradley, this is focused, deliberate action to close the gaps. Its mission is to highlight the distinct stories of people who call these featured communities home. A project supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) grant. It is poised to make a significant difference in expanding access to mental health care in rural communities across the country.
Professor David Green, the university’s vice chancellor and chief executive expressed delight that funding they were awarded by NIHR. He thinks this support will immensely unlock their capacity as researchers. He focused on the positive effects that the research would have like improving the lives of the thousands of residents in community rural towns.
“The research that this unit will conduct will help many thousands of people living in rural communities in the years ahead.” – Professor David Green
Their program hopes to develop an understanding of the daily lives and mental health experiences of people who live and work in rural communities. As explained by Annesley Professor Bradley, knowing what these lived experiences are is key to creating the best mental health services catered directly to what the community needs.
“The reason we need to do this research is to learn more about the experiences of people living across our rural communities, through new research designed to reflect their daily lives and experiences of mental ill-health.” – Professor Eleanor Bradley
This research is not only timely, but it responds to local needs in a meaningful way. It hopes to improve our understanding of how rural life affects mental health. It’s important to know this, Professor Bradley said. It will meaningfully improve the delivery of services in comparable metropolitan areas outside the immediate region.
“This will enable us to develop our services locally, whilst understanding more about rurality as a risk to people’s mental health.” – Professor Eleanor Bradley
Green was careful to note the technical project’s collaborative nature. It will be sharing its findings and methodologies with other regions that are facing the same challenges.
“This is a really positive development for the community, the NHS and the university. We are very grateful to the NIHR for this major award.” – Professor David Green
The university hopes that this research will lead to increased local mental health services addressing the issue. Its ultimate goal is to change the way mental health care is delivered in rural communities all over the country.
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