COMIC Conference 2025: Sharing Youth Mental Health Research

On Thursday 6 November, the COMIC team from our Research and Development Department hosted the COMIC Conference, bringing together researchers, clinicians, and young people to share findings from youth mental health research projects delivered by LYPFT Research and Development and partners.

The programme included presentations on topics such as eating disorders, self-harm, schools, the arts, nature, and bereavement, with young people’s perspectives central to the discussions. We were pleased to welcome Lill and Srhya, who spoke about their experiences of taking part in research.

The event also featured a poster session, showcasing projects from across the region and beyond.

Conference themes

The day focused on three areas:

  • Clinical practice – addressing inequalities and improving experiences for young people awaiting admission.
  • Schools – projects introducing children and young people to research in accessible ways, including a study exploring how forest schools can support mental health and wellbeing by connecting young people with nature and outdoor learning environments.
  • Creativity and bereavement – presentations on using arts-based approaches to involve young people in research, and a project examining how creative methods can help children and young people process grief and loss in supportive, non-stigmatising ways.

Highlights included presentations from Jamie Telford (PPIE Lead for COMIC) and Lill Cooper (Young Co-Researcher and YPAN member) on evaluating the COMIC Young Person’s Advisory Network (YPAN), and from Professor Siobhan Hugh-Jones (University of Leeds) and Srhya (YPAG member for ATTUNE) on the ATTUNE project, which looks at the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on mental health.

Both talks demonstrated the importance of co-production and how young peoples lived experiences are shaping research.

Feedback from attendees included: 

  • “Variety and quality of presentations, interactive ideas.” 
  • “Great range of presentations, PPI and co-production theme very welcome.” 
  • “Inclusive, friendly, non-stigmatising.” 

The COMIC Conference provided an opportunity for colleagues and partners to come together and share learning, with a shared commitment to improving mental health outcomes for young people. 

Page last updated: 26th Nov 2025 3:08pm