TranslateTrust partnering for Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Research in Hull
Published: 13 December 2024
Our Trust is extremely proud to be a key partner in a groundbreaking new mental health research initiative led by the University of Hull. The University has secured £11 million from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to establish the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Research (CAMHR), with the Trust’s colleagues playing a crucial role in its development and impact.
CAMHR aims to significantly improve the provision of, and access to essential addiction and mental health services provided in the community, including services for children and young people. The centre's targeted research will inform how services are delivered.
Mental health problems are the single largest cause of disability in the UK. One in four adults and one in ten children experience mental illness. It is estimated 340,000 people need help for opiate and/or cocaine use and over 600,000 need alcohol treatment, with a large group of adults and young people experiencing both mental ill health and substance use.
Dr Hannah Armitt, Clinical Research Psychologist at our Trust, said “There is an essential need to carry out research to improve the access to and provision of addiction services in our communities. As a Clinical Psychologist I have worked with many young people, families and adults impacted by addiction and I am excited about the opportunity the new centre brings to engage and involve our young people, patients, carers, families, and local communities as active partners in this research’.
Dr Laura Voss, Consultant Liaison Psychiatrist at our Trust said, “'I am delighted to be part of this fantastic enterprise. The newly established research group is a great asset in the region and will aim to improve the health and wellbeing of a significantly underserved population. I look forward to working with world class researchers and our extraordinary patient groups to improve the lives of some of the most neglected communities, and to establish a centre of excellence delivering a sustainable programme of research for people with addictions and mental health problems.”
The centre will be led by Professor Thomas Phillips, Professor of Nursing in Addiction and Professor Judith Cohen, Professor of Clinical Trials at Hull York Medical School, and Director of the Hull Health Trials Unit at the University of Hull.
An important role of the centre will be to undertake a clinical study to explore tangible solutions to the complex issue around addiction and mental health conditions in young people. Another core purpose of the centre will be to amplify the voices of people with lived experience, and those of their family and carers, using their experiences of addiction and mental health care to inform the programme of research.
Alison Sharpe, who is a member of CAMHR’s research team with lived experience, said: “As a recovering alcoholic with 8 years sobriety, I am delighted to be involved in the establishment of this much-needed centre. The fact that people with lived experience of substance use and mental health issues will be included in all aspects of the research will result in a much-improved service that is underpinned by empathy and understanding.”
Professor Dave Petley, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hull, said: “This centre will drive the much-needed expansion of research capacity in addiction and mental health, and bring together a world-class team of applied mental health researchers. It allows us to deliver a significant and sustainable addiction and applied mental health research programme addressing critical regional and national priorities, including the mental health of children and young people.”
Michele Moran, our Chief Executive said, “This new centre marks an inspiring step forward in the field of addictions and mental health. The dedication and expertise of all those involved is vital in advancing our understanding and treatment of these complex conditions. Together, we are not only enhancing the care we provide but also contributing to a brighter future for countless individuals and families affected by addiction and mental health challenges.”
For more information on research projects at Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust contact hnf-tr.ResearchTeam@nhs.net or visit https://www.humber.nhs.uk/research/.
