Networking event to improve mental health outcomes for underserved populations hailed huge success
Over 44 attendees were welcomed to ‘Ripping Up the Research Rulebook: Bridging Gaps in Mental Healthcare’, an interactive networking event designed to build meaningful collaborations and explore the barriers and facilitators to improving mental health outcomes - particularly for underserved populations.
The event, which was part of the University of Salford’s School of Health and Society Networking events by the Centre for Applied Health Research, brought together community groups, families, the public, researchers, and practitioners working on community-based mental health interventions. It was organised by the Mental Health and Neurodiversity research group.
Organisers aimed to create and strengthen a vibrant interdisciplinary network focused on co-productive, real-world approaches to research and practice. These approaches prioritise low-intensity, effective mental health interventions that are accessible, especially for those who face the greatest barriers to care.
Event highlights:
- Keynote speakers:
- Professor Amanda Kirby – Founder and CEO of Do It Solutions which provides neurodiversity screening and support tools for children and adults in education and employment
- Dr Sarah Doyle – Director of the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland (QNIS): she recognises the importance of a range of individual, organisational, political and societal factors in the creation of expert nursing practice
- Panel discussion: The panel engaged with voices from community groups, researchers and people with experience on current challenges and opportunities
- Societal Challenges seminar: Framing mental health access within wider social issues
- Breakout rooms: All shared ideas and co-created early-stage project concepts
- Peer review workshop: Attendees worked together to collaboratively refine and evaluate project ideas
- Plenary session: Agreed priorities, next steps and opportunities for future collaboration
The event received some great feedback, including the below comments:
'It was a super well organised event, the keynote talks were absolutely amazing! Thank you! These types of events are incredibly valuable to understand what work is being done'
'It's been a very thought provoking and inclusive day with a relaxed and growth full atmosphere. thank you'
If you would like to find out more or join the Mental Health and Neurodiversity research group please contact Celeste Foster or Clare Allely in the School of Health and Society.
For all press office enquiries please email communications@salford.ac.uk.
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