Completed Projects

Investigators CA Robinson, P Huxley, A Krayer, M Krishna, K Nikopoulos, R Poole; GV Krishnaveni & K Kumaran, R Rajendra,y, N Husain, I Leroi, P Taylor, K Hawton

Funded by RCUK, Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF)

Started 2025

Global Challenge Research Fund: South Asia Self Harm research capability building Initiative (GCRF-SASHI) SASHI formed in late 2015 as a collaboration led by the Centre for Mental Health and Society at Bangor University. It is a partnership between researchers working in South Asia and the UK. The purpose of the GCRF-SASHI project is to help […]

Investigators Emily Peckham

Funded by Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust

Started 2023

Finished 2024

Investigators Emily Peckham. Sadia Nafees

Funded by Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust

Started 2023

Finished 2024

Those with severe mental illness (SMI) are at greater risk of having poor oral health, which can have an impact on daily activities such as eating, socialising and working. There is currently a lack of evidence to suggest which oral health interventions are effective for improving oral health outcomes for people with SMI.

Investigators Emily Peckham

Funded by Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust

Started 2023

Finished 2024

People with severe mental illness (SMI) experience a mortality gap of 15-20 years and one of the main reasons for this is due to preventable physical health conditions such as heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. Smoking is one of the main contributory factors to these preventable health conditions and people with SMI are more likely […]

Investigators Rob Poole, John Carden, Robert Higgo, Sadia Nafees

Funded by Public Health Wales

Started 2023

Finished 2024

The review will be conducted by researchers at CFMHAS. This research centre was established in 2012, and it is currently led by Rob Poole, Professor of Social Psychiatry and Peter Huxley, Professor of Mental Health Research.  CFMHAS focuses on research that has a direct application to improve the mental well-being of the general population or […]

Investigators Newbronner, E., Peckham, E. J. & Webber, M. P.

Started 2023

Finished 2024

Investigators Peckham, E. J.

Started 2022

Finished 2023

People with severe mental ill health (SMI) engage in considerably less exercise and physical activity than their counterparts in the general population. People with SMI also experience a premature mortality of around 10–20 years. A large proportion of these premature deaths are attributed to potentially modifiable behaviours, including physical activity. The inpatient environment provides an […]

Investigators Dr Sadia Nafees, Dr Simon Newman, Dr Justin Lawson, Amber O'Brien, Prof Peter Huxley, Prof Rob Poole, Kim Barnett

Funded by BCUHB

Started 2022

Finished 2025

This study aims to capture a prisoners journey (including previous offending history to 6 months post release).  It will also explore the risk factors for illicit drug usage and to evaluate the SMS management during their stay in prison.

Investigators Huxley P, Robinson C, Carden J, Salmoirahi A, Meudell A, Poole R, Williams S, Entwistle C, Foulkes J

Funded by Ser Cymru funding

Started 2020

Finished 2021

Brief psychotic reactions were prominent in the nosological systems in several European countries prior to the development of operationalised international diagnostic systems, since when research interest has waned. Nonetheless, it is generally believed that psychosis with a rapid onset, short duration and favourable outcome can develop as a result of intolerable stress. Reports from local […]

Investigators Gill, S; Bailey, J; Nafees, S and Poole, R

Funded by HCRW Pathway to Portfolio

Started 2019

Finished 2021

Another phase of our opioid prescribing research programme has been completed.  This is an interview study examining GPs’ experiences of prescribing opioid medication for chronic pain, paying particular attention to the prescribing of high doses.  This is a Pathway to Portfolio study funded through BCUHB.  Simon Gill (a BCUHB Primary Care Pharmacist) has been seconded to be […]

Investigators Sion Williams, Chris Burton, Seren Roberts, Ned Hartfield

Funded by Welsh Government and BCUHB

Started 2019

The I CAN work programme is a form of a supported employment intervention based, on the Individual Placement and Support model, founded in the 1990s but is focussed on supporting individuals with mild to moderate mental health issues and delivered by two providers. This realist evaluation aims explore the implementation and impacts of IPS as […]

Investigators Bailey, J., Poole, R., Nafees, S

Started 2018

Aim To achieve a deeper understanding of the development, maintenance and effects of dysfunctional high-dose opioid medication use in patients with chronic non-cancer pain by carrying out in-depth interviews with them and their carers. Objectives To interview up to twenty patients who have undergone an intervention to rapidly reduce high doses of opioid medication, and […]

Investigators Bebbington E, Lawson J, Nafees S, Robinson C & Poole, R

Funded by BCUHB Research and Development

Started 2018

Finished 2019

Background The widespread use of drugs in prisons leads to avoidable deaths, poorer health and a poor living environment. The contribution of psychoactive prescription drugs to this problem has received little attention in prison policy or at individual prescriber level. Aims To determine the extent of unsafe and inappropriate prescribing of psychoactive medications in one […]

Investigators Bailey J, Gill, S, Poole R & Nafees S

Started 2017

Population based studies show that there have been substantial increases in opioid medication prescribing over the last 20 years and that this has been true of stronger opioids, higher doses and use for longer time periods.  There is no evidence for the effectiveness of long-term use of these drugs; however. there is established evidence of […]

Investigators Krayer, A. & Robinson C

Funded by The Welsh Government, Offender Health Policy

Started 2016

Finished 2017

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We explored the experiences of people involved in developing the Mental Health Crisis Care Concordat implementation plans across Wales in this early and brief evaluation. The aim was to identify opportunities and gaps that have emerged and to provide learning to inform the rollout of the MHCCC.

Investigators Orrell, A, Huxley, P & Krayer, A

Funded by Health and Care Research Wales

Started 2016

Finished 2018

Implementation of the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act (2014) (SSWWA) in 2016 required Local Authorities to provide integrated health and social care services for older people with high support needs. The aim of this mixed methods research study was to assess inter and intra-organisation collaboration in delivering care to older people with high support […]

Investigators Fraser, D. Philips, A. Topley, N. Chess, J. Noyes, J Robinson, C.A.,

Funded by National Institute for Social Care and Health Research (NISCHR)

Started 2015

Finished 2018

Investigators Jones, I. Robinson, C.A. Lloyd, K. Owen, M. John, A. Jackson, M.

Funded by National Institute for Social Care and Health Research (NISCHR)

Started 2015

Investigators Krayer A, Bangor University & Kelly S, National Association for People Abused in Childhood, NAPAC

Funded by Strategic Insight Programme

Started 2015

Finished 2015

This was a Strategic Insight Programme (SIP) visiting grant, which enabled me to explore the work of a third sector organisation supporting people who experienced sexual abuse in childhood. We jointly developed a set of research priorities in a number of workshops with people who experienced sexual abuse in childhood and professionals.

Investigators Poole, R, Danivas, V, Krishna, M, Robinson, C., Sharma, V. & Majige, S

Funded by Tropical Health Education Trust

Started 2015

Finished 2017

Investigators Seren Roberts (CI) et al

Funded by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Bord, Research and Development Department Pathway to Portfolio Scheme

Started 2015

Mental health is priority area for the UK government. Important strides have been made in understanding recovery from mental health problems but research on this topic often focuses on improving services for recovery. There is no universal definition of recovery in the field of mental health. However, evidence is growing about the benefits of recovery-oriented […]

Investigators Gabbay M B, Ring A, Byng R, Anderson P, Taylor R S, Matthews C, Harris T, Berry V, Byrne P, Carter E, Clarke P, Cocking L, Edwards S, Emsley R, Fornasiero M, Frith L, Harris S, Huxley P, Jones S, Kinderman P, King M, Kosnes L, Marshall D, Mercer D, May C, Nolan D, Phillips C, Rawcliffe T, Sardani A V, Shaw E, Thompson S, Vickery J, Wainman B & Warner M.

Funded by NIHR

Started 2015

Finished 2017

Background Depression and debt are common in the UK. Debt Counselling for Depression in Primary Care: an adaptive randomised controlled pilot trial (DeCoDer) aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the addition of a primary care debt counselling advice service to usual care for patients with depression and debt. However, the study was […]

Investigators Ahmed N, John, A, Islam S, Jones R, Anderson P, Davies C, Khanom A, Harris, S, Huxley P

Funded by NISCHR, Wales. Extended work with SAIL database to 2019

Started 2014

Finished 2016

Introduction: Self-harm is a strong predictor for suicide. Risks for repeat behaviour are heightened in the aftermath of an index episode. There is no consensus on the most effective type of intervention to reduce repetition. Treatment options for patients who do not require secondary mental health services include no support, discharge to general practitioner or […]

Investigators Raveesh, BN Poole, R. Robinson, C.A. Lepping, P.

Funded by British Council

Started 2014

Finished 2015

Investigators Huxley, P., Chan, K., Chiu, M., Ma, Y., Gaze, S., Evans, S

Funded by ESRC

Started 2013

Finished 2016

Introduction: China’s future major health problem will be the management of chronic diseases – of which mental health is a major one. An instrument is needed to measure mental health inclusion outcomes for mental health services in Hong Kong and mainland China as they strive to promote a more inclusive society for their citizens and […]

Investigators Krayer, A., Robinson, C.A., Poole, R., Jones, B., Isaacs, M., Foulkes, T. & Lacy, F

Funded by National Institute for Social Care and Health Research (NISCHR)

Started 2013

Finished 2018

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Behaviours targeted by the anti-social behaviour legislation can be a sign of mental health problems and police officers are in the difficult position of having to decide to be either guided by civil law, criminal law or take the mental health route This study explored challenges to working across professional, organisational and policy boundaries at […]

Investigators Sarah Bent, Jane Wild, John Day, Seren Roberts, Professor Bob Woods

Funded by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Research and Development Department Service Support Costs

Started 2013

Finished 2013

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SUMMARY Despite hearing aids being provided by the NHS, 20-25% of people identified as needing them do not use them regularly (1), this results in a negative impact on the individual, carers and families (2) and the inefficient use of resources. It is approximated that £2million annually is wasted, using figures from AQP and the […]

Investigators Reilly S, McCabe C, Marchevsky N, Green M, Davies L, Ives N, Plappert H, Allard J, Rawcliffe T, Gibson J, Clark M, Pinfold V, Gask L, Huxley P, Byng R, Birchwood M,

Funded by NIHR England

Started 2012

Finished 2021

Investigators Ahmed N, John A, Islam, S, Jones R, Anderson P, Davies C, Khanom A, Harris S, Huxley P

Funded by NISCHR

Started 2012

Finished 2015

Introduction: Self-harm is a strong predictor for suicide. Risks for repeat behaviour are heightened in the aftermath of an index episode. There is no consensus on the most effective type of intervention to reduce repetition. Treatment options for patients who do not require secondary mental health services include no support, discharge to general practitioner or […]

Investigators Seddon D, Krayer A, Robinson C.A, Gwilym H, McKeown G, Hodrien C

Funded by National Institute for Social Care and Health Research

Started 2012

Finished 2013

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Not enough is yet known about the needs of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is hidden and the distress and shame that survivors often feel prevents many from seeking help. Although there is a plethora of research relating to the effects of childhood sexual abuse and a growing appreciation of the effects […]

Investigators Robinson C.A, Pithouse A, Phillips, J

Funded by National Institute for Social Care and Health Research (NISCHR)

Started 2012

Finished 2015

Investigators Krayer, A. & Jones, B,

Funded by Strategic Insight Programme

Started 2012

Finished 2012

This was a Strategic Insight Programme (SIP) visiting grant, which enabled me to understand the role and concerns of a police force when working with people who have experienced  mental health problems. I developed a grant applications with police and third sector partners based on my visits. This is the anti-social behaviour project funded by […]

Investigators Poole, R.& Robinson, C.A.

Funded by BCUHB Charitable Fund

Started 2012

Finished 2021

Investigators Krayer A, Robinson CA, Poole R & Wolfendale C

Funded by National Institute for Social Care and Health Research

Started 2011

Finished 2012

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The overall aim of the research was to inform the development of the co-occurring mental health and substance misuse agenda by exploring perceptions around stigma and social exclusion from the perspectives of statutory and third sector organisations and people with mental health and substance misuse problems.

Investigators Robinson C.A & Poole R

Funded by National Institute for Social Care and Health Research (NISCHR)

Started 2011

Finished 2013

Investigators Seddon D & Robinson C.A

Funded by Funded by consortia led by Gwent Local Authority

Started 2011

Finished 2012

Investigators Seren Roberts (CI) and Jois Bailey (Co-I)

Funded by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Research and Development Department

Started 2011

Finished 2013

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People with severe and enduring mental illness have an increased risk of obesity, developing metabolic syndrome and diabetes, attributed mainly to lifestyle issues. Interventions that target lifestyle have been tried and tested to offset some of these risk with mixed results. Exercise is an important part of keeping healthy and facilitating activity to help maintain […]

Investigators Bailey J, Poole R, Zinovieff F, Robinson C.A, Parry O, Tocque K, Kennedy L

Funded by Alcohol Concern Cymru

Started 2010

Finished 2011

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Key findings It is well established that the price and affordability of alcohol is the key determinant of the overall level of consumption amongst all groups in the general population. This is the strongest finding in the international literature. Most of the evidence on the impact of price changes on alcohol consumption is based upon […]

Investigators Poole R, Robinson CA, Bailey J, Shelton C, Ruben S

Funded by Welsh Assembly Government

Started 2010

Finished 2011

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The study used records in six Coroners’ jurisdictions in Wales as the primary source of data.  The participating jurisdictions covered urban and rural environments within North, South and Mid-Wales. Our sample includes former residents of the catchment area of five of the current Welsh Health Boards. The study examined deaths that were reported in 2008. […]

Investigators Helen Lewis and Seren Roberts

Funded by Wales Mental Health in Primary Care Network

Started 2010

Finished 2010

SUMMARY Mental disorders are a significant disease burden and often interwoven with other chronic diseases., In recent years there has been a shift to ensuring more and more mental health care provision through primary care with the emphasis on managing mental health needs and delivering as much mental health care as possible within the primary […]

Investigators Robinson CA, Poole R, Slegg G, Ruben S, Bailey J

Funded by Welsh Assmebly Government

Started 2009

Finished 2009

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This exploratory study was carried out in two Coroner Districts using data routinely collected as part of the process of investigating deaths reported to coroners. The main aims of this study are to: Establish methods to identify deaths where harmful use or alcohol dependence is relevant (but not necessarily formally attributed as the main or […]

Investigators Seddon D, Robinson CA, Woods B & Tommis Y

Funded by Wales Office of Research and Development for Health and Social Care

Started 2008

Finished 2010

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This report presents key findings from a recent study looking at the implementation of Unified Assessment (UA) from key stakeholder perspectives, including, older people, their carers and staff working in health and social care organizations. The work was funded by the Wales Office of Research and Development for Health and Social Care. This research was […]

Investigators Iphofen R & Robinson C.A

Funded by Consortia of Local Authorities in Midland and South and South East England

Started 2008

Finished 2009

Investigators Seren Roberts (CI) and Jois Bailey (Co-I)

Funded by North Wales Research Committee

Started 2007

Finished 2009

It is well recognised that people with severe mental illnesses (SMI) such as schizophrenia have a poorer health state than the general population with increased mortality and morbidity rates. Social and lifestyle factors along with long-term antipsychotic medications are reported to contribute to this health inequality. A variety of behavioural lifestyle and healthy living interventions […]

Investigators Seren Roberts

Started 2006

Finished 2013

Antipsychotic medication is the most common treatment for schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia have a higher mortality rate than the general public and have higher rates of cardio vascular disease, obesity and diabetes. There is growing concern that antipsychotics are associated with these health risks with as many as 50% of patients gaining substantial body weight […]

Investigators Bedson, E., Bell, D., Carr, D., Carter, B., Hughes, D., Jorgensen, A., Lewis, H., Lloyd, K., McCaddon, A., Moat, S., Pink, J., Pirmohamed, M., Roberts, S., Russell, I., Sylvestre, Y., Tranter, R., Whitaker, R., Wilkinson, C., & Williams, N

Funded by NIHR Health Technology Assessment Programme

Started 2006

Finished 2011

Background: Folate deficiency is associated with depression. Despite the biological plausibility of a causal link, the evidence that adding folate enhances antidepressant treatment is weak. Objectives: (1) Estimate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of folic acid as adjunct to antidepressant medication (ADM). (2) Explore whether baseline folate and homocysteine predict response to treatment. (3) Investigate whether […]

Investigators Paisley C, Robinson C.A, Davies D

Funded by Welsh Assembly Government, Health Promotion Division

Started 2005

Finished 2006

Investigators Keith Lloyd et al

Funded by Welsh Assembly Government

Started 2005

Finished 2008

MHRN-C was an all Wales Network funded by the National Institute for Social Care and Health Research (NISCHR) for mental health research to: (i) improve the co-ordination of research in a Wales Assembly Government and NHS priority area; (ii) improve service user participation; (iii) maintain and enhance the quality of research; (iv) improve the integration […]

Investigators Robinson C.A, Seddon D, Krayer A, Tommis Y, Roberts A, Gray B

Funded by The Big Lottery Fund

Started 2004

Finished 2010

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Policy and practice guidance advocates the involvement of carers who look after someone with mental health problems in care decisions and treatments. However, research suggests that carers are still experiencing social and personal exclusion and often feel ignored by services (e.g., Askey, et al., 2009; Lyons et al., 2009; Pinfold & Corry, 2003). Thus, the […]

Investigators Emily Peckham. Trys Burke

Funded by NIHR

Finished 2025

Co-SPACES is part of SPACES which is a research project whose aim is to develop an intervention to help people with severe mental ill health to become more active. The project is a collaboration between researchers and people with lived experience of severe mental ill health. Researchers from Bangor University, York St John, University of […]

Investigators Sadia Nafees, John Bailey, Rob Poole, Rachel Skippon

Funded by Unfunded