Research Hero of the Month - February 2026

Research Heroes February 2026 Nomination: ASPIRE Leeds, Early Intervention in Psychosis Service (Community Links).

This month, we recognise ASPIRE Leeds, Early Intervention in Psychosis Service, (Community Links), for their outstanding collaboration with our Research and Development team. Through referrals and partnership, their staff have helped advance research and ensure clients are aware of relevant studies.

Aspire is the Leeds Early Intervention in Psychosis Service, providing holistic care coordination to people between the ages of 14 – 65 who are, or may be, experiencing their first episode of psychosis.

Thoughts from the team at ASPIRE:

“Working with the R&D team has enabled me to complete Principal investigator (PI) training and learn lots about how research is organised and implemented at the front line. We have had lots of good feedback from service users at Aspire that have taken part and it’s great to feel a part of advancing future practice”.

Michael Kissoon, Clinical Operations Manager, Aspire. PI – Early Intervention in Psychosis Mental Health Mission Cohort Study. PI – Sleeping Better, RCT Study.

“Within my role I have got involved in the moreRESPECT study and assisted R&D staff through referring clients on to them. My aspiration is to continue driving innovation in physical health care and the moreRESPECT study gave opportunity for clients with anxieties around their sexual health an avenue to discuss this in a way that helps themselves and others. In addition, I’d encourage other clinicians to get involved with actively seeking out clients for research, as I have seen this become a source of pride for clients, due to them feeling like they are giving back/helping improve the service for future clients. They can often feel helpless and sometimes guilty for their situation, therefore I’ve seen the research become a positive lane for them to expand on these feelings while providing valuable insight to help others”.

Henry Riley, Physical Health Practitioner, Aspire.

“I got involved in assisting the R&D research team after meeting members for the team and they then explaining the details of the research and how I can help.

Being involved in the research process broadened my understanding of mental health and the process of developing new treatments.

I hope to continue to engage with the R&D research team so that I can continue with my development of knowledge of mental health treatment.

I would encourage others to get involved with the R&D research team if they want to gain a better understanding of the work they do”.

Craig Harris, Early Intervention in Psychosis Practitioner, Aspire.

“The aspire team is great at folding research into their clinical practice. They’re brilliant at keeping awareness of studies and referring on people who would like to participate. Supporting research in this way demonstrates a true dedication to improving future client’s care.”

Stevie John, Research Practitioner.

Page last updated: 21st Jan 2026 1:52pm