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Two new research projects have been funded by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) North East and North Cumbria (NENC), with a focus on mental health.

The proposals were submitted as part of a Rapid Research Call announced in April. Work is set to start by mid-July, with findings from both to be published within nine months.

Dr Jane Pearson, ARC North East and North Cumbria Operations Manager, said: “We were pleased to have the opportunity to make a small amount of extra funding available for two projects which focussed on mental health or public mental health.

“We were impressed by the quality and scope of the applications we received, and are delighted to fund these new and important pieces of work.”

Project overviews

Girls’ experiences of mental health and wellbeing support in alternative education: Sharing best practice and communicating needs

This project, led by Northumbria University in partnership with South Tyneside Council, will explore girls’ experiences of mental health and wellbeing support in alternative education – specifically Pupil Referral Units, with the aim of identifying best practice as well as areas of improvement.

The nine-month project is linked to our supporting children and families; and inequalities and marginalised communities themes.

Project lead: Dr Pamela Louise Graham, Senior Lecturer in Community Wellbeing, Northumbria University.

Do employers feel that ‘one size fits all’ bereavement training helps create compassionate employers and public facing organisations, or are bespoke packages required?

This project, led by Newcastle University and St Oswald’s Hospice, will explore bereavement support packages that are offered to employees to enable them to return to work – comparing a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to a more bespoke offer.

This six-month project is linked to our multi-morbidity, ageing and frailty; and integrating physical, mental health and social care research themes.

Project lead: Dr Felicity Dewhirst, NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer and Consultant in Palliative Medicine, St Oswald’s Hospice and Newcastle University.

Further details on each project will follow soon.