Research and Development at LSCft

26/02/2026

Have your say on mental health support for South Asian communities

The University of Manchester is carrying out a research study exploring how people from South Asian backgrounds experience getting help for psychosis and using talking therapies. They want to understand what’s working, what isn’t, and how services can better support South Asian communities. The study is called 'SAFE PATHS'.

As part of the first phase, researchers will be hosting community workshops across Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside. These friendly sessions will:
🗣️ Talk about how to get involved in health research
🤝 Explore what might make it easier for South Asian communities to take part
💡 Share why research is important and how it can improve mental health care

Researchers are also speaking to South Asian service users, carers and health professionals to learn more about their experiences of psychosis care and talking therapies, so they can help shape better support in future.

Want to get involved or find out more?
Contact and Development at LSCft's Aneesa Khan (Research Assistant)
📧 aneesa.khan@lscft.nhs.uk
📱 07483 103073

Let’s work together to improve access to mental health support for South Asian communities.

25/02/2026

It’s Eating Disorder Awareness Week 🧡

This year, the week is a reminder of how important community, understanding and shared experiences are for anyone affected by an eating disorder.

If you’re 16 or over, live in England, and have ever experienced an eating disorder, you can help drive change by taking part in EDGI UK — the largest research study of its kind.

By sharing your experiences and providing a simple saliva sample from home, you’ll be helping researchers better understand the genetic and environmental factors behind eating disorders.

This knowledge is vital for improving support and care for others in the future.

👉 Find out more or sign up at: edgiuk.org

23/02/2026

Today marks the start of Eating Disorder Awareness Week.

This year’s theme is ‘community’ — recognising the power of connection, and the vital role that family, friends and supportive networks play in helping someone feel understood and never alone throughout their journey, from seeking help to treatment and beyond.

Research is part of this community too. By taking part, families can help build better understanding and better care for the future.

Researchers at EDGI UK are now exploring how eating disorders affect children and young people, and they’re looking for families who may want to get involved.

A child may be eligible to take part if:

They live in the UK
They are aged 8 or above
They have ever experienced an eating disorder (no formal diagnosis needed)

If you’d like to learn more or get involved, please visit: edgiuk.org

20/02/2026

Do you care for a person living with dementia?

If so, you might be eligible to take part in the CareCoach study.

The aim of this study is to test the effects of using an online support package for caregivers called 'CareCoach'.

To find out more, you can visit the website at: https://bit.ly/CareCoachstudyCarer

You can also contact our Clinical Studies Officer, Dan Pulford on 07961 479 821

04/02/2026

We are delighted to announce we will play a leading role in delivering a major new national mental health research initiative.

We will be working alongside Lancaster University who recently announced they have been awarded almost £11 million to establish one of England’s new National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Mental Health Research Groups (MHRGs).

The initiative aims to transform how mental health research is carried out by embedding researchers directly in local communities and primary care settings. The goal is to develop more proactive, preventative approaches that reach people long before they get to a crisis point.

More than 13,000 people in Lancashire and South Cumbria are living with a severe mental illness, and parts of the region experience some of the highest addiction and suicide-related death rates in England.

In partnership with the The University of Manchester and King's College London the programme will focus on:

• Supporting people with severe and complex mental health needs

• Improving mental health support for mothers and families

• Addressing substance misuse and related harms

• Improving attendance at GP health checks

• Tackling stigma and widening research participation

This links to our strategic priority of becoming a Teaching Trust and achieving University Trust Status.

Read the full story and find out more by clicking the link in the comments.

01/02/2026

Do you care for a person living with dementia?

If so, you might be eligible to take part in the CareCoach study.

The aim of this study is to test the effects of using an online support package for caregivers called 'CareCoach'.

To find out more, you can visit the website at: https://bit.ly/CareCoachstudyCarer

You can also contact our Clinical Studies Officer, Dan Pulford on 07961 479 821.

30/01/2026

Exciting news this week! We officially opened Water Meadow View, Our Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust's new specialist mental health service for adults with a learning disability based in Guild Park, Preston.

We look forward to working with the team on our learning disability and autism research studies.

28/01/2026

Results of a recent research study into motherhood have shown that 7 out of 10 mothers feel 'overloaded'.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jan/28/seven-out-of-10-uk-mothers-feel-overloaded-research-reveals

Maternal mental health is so important to mothers, children and society as a whole.

Can you help researchers by sharing your own experience?

The National Centre for Mental Health is running a Maternal Wellbeing Survey - if you are currently pregnant or are in your first year after giving birth, they'd like to hear your views: bit.ly/maternalLSCFT (all responses are anonymous).

Study also says almost half have a mental health issue such as anxiety or depression

23/01/2026

The Partners of Parents with Bipolar (PPB) Study Is Now Recruiting!

Many people living with bipolar disorder are also parents, and the intense mood changes that come with the condition can make day‑to‑day life and parenting especially challenging. Often, partners take on a caring role while also co‑parenting — and this can have a big emotional and practical impact.

Despite this, we still know very little about the specific needs and experiences of partner carers.

The PPB study aims to change that. Researchers want to hear from people who have a partner with bipolar disorder to better understand your experiences and what support would make a difference.

👉 Learn more and take part:
https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/health-and-medicine/research/spectrum/research/ppb/

07/01/2026

Have you experienced trauma? Your voice matters.

Researchers at the National Centre for Mental Health want to learn more about how trauma affects mental health – and you can help.

This survey is open to anyone who has experienced trauma. Examples might include:

- Serious accidents
- Life-threatening illness
- Sexual or physical assault
- Childhood or domestic abuse

💻 Take part today: bit.ly/LSCFT or scan the QR code in the second image.

By sharing your experience, you’ll be helping us work towards better diagnosis, treatment, and support for people affected by trauma.

11/12/2025

Well done to our Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust West Lancashire Talking Therapies Team who were the top recruiters to the StratCare 2 trial over the past 4 weeks.

Depression and anxiety affect 1 in 6 adults, but current treatments don’t always lead to full recovery. That’s why researchers are testing StratCare, a new AI tool designed to help NHS Talking Therapies match people with the treatment that’s right for them from the start.

The StratCare 2 trial will involve over 1,200 patients to see if this approach can boost recovery and quality of life compared to the usual stepped care model.

To find out more, please contact the LSCft Research Team at
📧Research.Office@lscft.nhs.uk

07/11/2025

If you’ve experienced or , you can be part of a unique opportunity to join the largest study looking at Genetic Links to Anxiety and Depression. We encourage people to sign up for this exciting study! Sign up to the GLAD Study at www.gladstudy.org.uk