Working in mental health research: Jamie’s story
Staff at Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust are recruiting young people of African and Caribbean heritage for a study into depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
The BLACK-ARTS study asks participants to take part in a 60-minute focus group to explore their views on creative arts therapies as a treatment option for young black people suffering from psychiatric disorders.
Clinicians with experience in working with people aged 16-24 are also invited to attend a focus group to share their views on creative arts therapies as an intervention for mental health conditions.
Research Speech and Language Therapist Jamie Crane explains more about the study and what motivates him to work in mental health research.
Talk to your healthcare professional about taking part in research or search for studies seeking volunteers at Be Part of Research.
What is this research study about?
The study seeks to address whether creative arts therapies such as drama, music and visual arts therapies can be used for African and Caribbean young people to improve mental well-being and alleviate the impact of conditions such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
What does taking part involve?
Two sets of focus groups will run. One set for clinicians and one set for mental health service users. Participants will be invited to attend a single online focus group led by a researcher.
What motivates you to work in research?
I gain satisfaction from facilitating research as it promotes patient-centred care, allowing patients to contribute to the innovation of treatment and potentially improve patient pathways.
What would you say to people about considering whether to take part in research?
I think people should be encouraged to take part in research as it allows them opportunities to improve treatment for their communities and in some cases receive effective interventions while they are waiting for standard treatment. By taking part in research, clinicians have the opportunity to improve standards of care for their patients.
For more information about taking part in the BLACK-ARTS study, please email research@berkshire.nhs.uk.
Talk to your healthcare professional about taking part in research or search for studies seeking volunteers at Be Part of Research.
