Research and Development Annual Report 2024-2025
Introduction
The Research and Development Team are dedicated to generating highquality, innovative research into mental health, learning disabilities and neurodiversity and what we do changes lives across the UK.
Using our specialist expertise, unique population and a collaborative approach, we bridge boundaries, provide hope, and we’re actively shaping the future of mental health care.
Our main objective is to develop and deliver high quality research for the communities we serve. ‘Success’ is more high-quality research delivered across a broad range of service areas. Our objective will be delivered by:
Our Annual Report provides the highlights of our success in these areas.
Study Activity and Performance
What do our participants say about their experiences of taking part in research in LYPFT?
Participants are offered the opportunity to let us know about their experiences of taking part in research through the Patient in Research Experience Survey (PRES).
YPAN (Young Person’s Advisory Network)
‘I liked learning about mental health’
Year 2 Research Ready Schools Student
Find out more here: Get Involved with COMIC
HEER(Help from Experts by Experience for Researchers)
For more information about the HEER group please visit: Get Involved – The HEER Group
‘I joined the HEER Group to represent the South Asian community in mental health research and help improve access to support for those facing language and cultural barriers’
HEER member
‘The patients (HEER Members) were really switched on, they already had concerns about life expectancy differences and risk of heart disease and were genuinely excited about the project. I got lots to use in my PPIE section and it’s reframed the research for me’
Researcher feedback
‘Being part of the Leeds HEER group has empowered me, supported my recovery, and helped me give back by sharing my lived experience’
HEER member
‘It’s a pleasure and a privilege to be part of the HEER group… helping Researchers with their projects is collaborative, interesting and rewarding’
HEER member
‘HEER group offers a great opportunity to get involved in the research process’
HEER member
To find out more about the HEER Group members read our latest members blog: Alison Potts
Staff Involvement in Research
‘Firstly I would like to say how amazing you both are – I have really valued and appreciated your support and kindness whilst I have been one of the nurses involved in the study. When I say , it has provided me with a renewed enthusiasm for my job – I really mean it . I have learnt so much and it really has pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me in my everyday interactions with the patients I see in the service’
Senior Clinical Nurse, Fresh Start Study
‘My role as PI is varied, challenging at times but always rewarding. MoreRespect is investigating an under researched area of health for people with mental health needs. I work alongside the R&D team, clinicians and the research team to support the delivery of the study in the trust. It’s exciting being part of generating new knowledge. Ultimately this will help us better understand how to provide an effective intervention and improve care for service users’
Claire Paul, Professional Lead for Allied Health Professions
‘I have really enjoyed being an interventionalist, I have gained confidence in talking about safe sex with not only participants, but with my colleagues and service users. I have found the research team to be so supportive and also look at other opportunities within the More RESPECT study’
Amie Whitworth, Occupational Therapist
‘We know that many psychological professionals carry research skills and knowledge that they may not use in their everyday roles. Others might have an interest in getting involved in research but can be unsure where to start. We think there is untapped potential for our professional group to become more active in using and doing research. We created this special interest group as a friendly and supportive space for us to share research ideas, resources and opportunities, with the aim of narrowing the gap between research and clinical practice. All aspiring and qualified psychological professionals are welcome to get involved’
Quote from Ranil Tan and Phil Arthington, Research Heroes (Read more)
Professions of Principal Investigators (PIs)
| Profession | No. of PIs |
| Consultant Psychiatrists | 5 |
| Clinical Ops Managers | 2 |
| Psychotherapist | 1 |
| Occupational Therapist | 1 |
| Memory Nurse | 1 |
| Dietician | 1 |
| Research Programme Manager | 1 |
| Consultant Psychologist | 1 |
| Prof of Psychiatry | 1 |
| Total | 14 |
Finances and Pump Priming
| Projects |
| Dr Keri-Michèle Lodge – Autism-related language preferences in adults with intellectual disability. |
| George Crowther – Understanding Perinatal mental heaLth inequality in reFugees and Those seeking asylum – UPLIFT asylum. |
| Sarah Smith, George Crowther and Ben Alderson – Exploring pathways for Brain Health and MCI in Memory Assessment Services. |
| Grace Gee – Publishing research – taking the PCAF (Pre Clinical and Practitioner Academic Fellowship) next steps. |
| James O’Neill – Monitoring the Inter-Dose Interval for Long-acting Injectable Antipsychotics: pilot for the MIDILIA study. |
|
Total – £17,155 |
Outputs and Funding Applications
Friendly and courteous staff. Clear explanations. Regular check-ins’
Research participant
Thank you to our collaborators.
How We Share
‘The staff member I interacted with was always prompt at replying to any written communication. They showed empathy and patience during our check ups and would send me reminders via other communication methods as I had said I forgot to routinely check email’
Research participant
Forum 2025 feedback
‘I appreciated the variety in presentations and focus inclusivity and accessing underserved groups’
‘Excellent content, all talks were interesting and there was a theme of inclusion and diversity within research. Even if this was unintentional it was nice to have a topical throughline.’
‘All the presentations were to a very good standard, the speakers spoke clearly and with lots of confidence. I really enjoyed all of the tasks and the wide selection of projects.’
Additional Information
For more information about our annual performance please visit: Research and Development – Annual Report 2024-25/
If you want to get to know us better, you can: Email us at research.lypft@nhs.net / Call us on 0113 85 52387