In this collaboration between the East Berkshire Getting Help teams and researchers at the University of Reading, this project aims to examine the role of lifestyle factors, such as sleep, diet, and physical activity, in children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Identifying key factors and mechanisms underlying the development of mental health problems is important to develop more effective strategies for prevention and treatment. There is a particular need to understand the impact of everyday life factors, as they are mostly likely to resonate with daily experiences of difficulties. An emerging evidence base has suggested the strong relationship between mental health outcomes and diet, sleep, and physical activity. Further investigations into clinical populations, such as those seeking support from the Getting Help teams will help advance our mechanistic understanding of common emotional difficulties in young people and inform treatment and service delivery directions, especially within the local and regional contexts.
Collaborators:
Prof Claire Williams, Chair of Neuroscience, University of Reading
Prof Stella Chan, Charlie Waller Chair in Evidence-based Psychological Treatment, University of Reading
Pauline Peters, Senior Transformation Lead – Children and Young People (RBWaM), NHS Frimley CCG
Bonnie Brittle, Children and Young People’s Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, CAMHS Getting Help Team (RBWaM)
Dr Ray Percy, Clinic Director, Anxiety & Depression in Young People (AnDY), University of Reading