Feeling Safer

Feeling Safer is a randomised controlled trial of a guided online programme for treatment of persistent persecutory delusions in adults with psychosis attending NHS/commissioned VCSE mental health services.

What is the study about?
Some people who experience Psychosis worry that others are trying to harm them in some way, known as ‘persecutory delusions’. Researchers have developed a six-month online programme, supported by a mental health staff member, called Feeling Safer. The programme is designed to help people feel safer, happier, and get back to doing more of the things that they want to be doing. The purpose of the research study is to see whether Feeling Safer is potentially helpful for people.

What is involved?
Participants will meet with a research assistant four times: at the start, and again after 3, 6, and 9 months. Meetings are usually online via Microsoft Teams and scheduled at convenient times. Each meeting lasts about ninety minutes but can be split into shorter parts. After the first assessment, a computer will randomly decide who receives Feeling Safer; three quarters of participants will get it, and everyone will continue their usual mental health care. The full study lasts 9 months.

Who can take part?
The participant must be willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the trial, and be: Aged 16 years or older. Attending NHS/commissioned VCSE mental health services for the treatment of psychosis. Persistent (at least 3 months) persecutory delusion (as defined by Freeman & Garety, 2000), held with at least 50% conviction. No planned significant medication changes at the outset of participation. Participants will need to agree to take part in assessments and therapy remotely.

How can people get involved?
Contact Molly Kelly or Beccy Smith via email Molly.kelly3@nhs.net Rebecca.smith179@nhs.net