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Newsletter: October 2025
Welcome to the Children and Young People's Wellbeing @ Exeter Research Network newsletter
Contents:
NEWS | EVENTS | OPPORTUNITIES | RESOURCES
Keep reading to discover recent network member publications, seminars, events, training opportunities, and useful resources.
We'd love to share your latest projects, publications, events and opportunities. Just contact cypwellbeing@exeter.ac.uk
NEWS
CYPW Network: Building Connections
On 22nd October the CYPW Network hosted an event at CoLab, a multi-agency hub in Exeter, to strengthen partnerships between researchers and external groups across sectors.
Morning presentations included case studies of successful and impactful partnerships from CYPW Network members: Hollie Gay and Tom El-Hoss (thank you Hollie & Tom!). They also showcased key initiatives supporting collaboration:
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, industrial studentships, and acceleration programmes. Exeter Innovation (EI) are the University’s hub for connecting researchers and businesses. Explore their Business Engagement brochure and internal Ideas Hub for information, support and resources or contact g.mendham@exeter.ac.uk (Business Development Manager)
Civic University Agreements (CUAs) are formal partnerships between universities and local stakeholders that support regional priorities in health, wellbeing, and education through co-designed, living action plans. Learn more via the national CUA and University of Exeter CUA websites, or contact Lindsey Anderson (Regional Engagement manager)
The Community Partnership Hub links researchers and students with community, public, and voluntary sector organisations to develop impactful, sustainable partnerships via research projects, placements, and volunteering opportunities.
In the afternoon roundtable Building Connections Workshop, participants identified research themes to explore during discussions, which included neurodivergence, access to datasets, and charity collaborations. Here are links to download presentation slides and attendee bio’s. For involvement or ideas for future events, email cypwellbeing@exeter.ac.uk We look forward to hearing about and sharing new ideas and partnerships inspired during the day.
CYPW Network Member Paper Publication
We’re pleased to share that a paper by CYPW Network member Laura Macro and colleague’s titled “Associations between adverse childhood experiences and vascular indicators of atherosclerosis measured in childhood and early to mid-adulthood: A systematic review,” has been published in Social Science & Medicine.
The review synthesises current evidence on links between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and subclinical atherosclerosis. Findings suggest ACEs are associated with poorer vascular health, but prospective evidence is limited, particularly around mediating and moderating factors. These gaps limit understanding of mechanisms connecting ACEs to cardiovascular risk.
Funded by the ESRC South West Doctoral Training Partnership you can read the full article here. Congratulations Laura and team!
Exeter Professor Presents Report on Pandemic’s Impact on Young People’s Mental Health
Professor Tamsin Newlove-Delgado, Associate Professor in Child Public Mental Health at the University of Exeter and member of the CYPW Network, presented new evidence to the Government’s Covid Inquiry on the effects of the pandemic on children and young people’s mental health. The report, co-authored with Professor Cathy Creswell of Oxford University, highlights the pandemic’s wide-ranging impact on wellbeing and offers ten recommendations to protect young people in future crises. These include ensuring children’s voices are heard in policy decisions, prioritising school attendance, and investing in stronger mental health systems. The full report is available online, and the hearing can be viewed via the UK Covid-19 Inquiry YouTube channel.
Outdoor Play Linked to Children’s Social-Emotional Competency
A study of 2,568 children in Bradford highlights the importance of outdoor play for social-emotional development. Researchers found that increased outdoor play was associated with better social-emotional competency, while park visits showed inconsistent effects. Benefits varied by ethnicity, area deprivation, and weekday versus weekend play, reflecting cultural and contextual differences. Notably, 34% of children did not play outdoors on school days, and 20% avoided outdoor play on weekends. Providing safe, local, and culturally appropriate spaces for children to play could help improve mental health and social-emotional skills across diverse urban communities. Read the full article here https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666558125000594
Shared Components in Family-Focused Interventions: New Research Findings
A study in the Journal of Prevention explores how family-focused interventions address parental domestic violence and abuse (DVA), mental ill-health (MH), and substance misuse (SU). Despite frequent overlap, services are often delivered separately. Researchers conducted an Intervention Components Analysis of 164 interventions to identify shared components with cross-cutting benefits. Strikingly, none of the 20 components reviewed were uniquely linked to improved outcomes across DVA, MH, and SU. Integrated interventions were less effective for MH and SU than single-issue approaches. Findings highlight the need for innovative designs that align more closely with the underlying processes driving these complex challenges. Read the full article here.
The Power of Words in ADHD Research
An article in The Lancet Psychiatry highlights how language shapes understanding, research, and public attitudes toward ADHD. Words can either reinforce stigma or promote respect and compassion. The authors call for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to adopt terminology that avoids discrimination and better reflects the lived experiences of people with ADHD. Shifting to respectful, person-centred language can foster more accurate perceptions, improve clinical practice, and support individuals in navigating challenges. This dialogue invites the ADHD community and professionals alike to consider the impact of their words and commit to positive, inclusive change. Read the full article here: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(25)00167-1/fulltext
NIHR-Funded Project Launches with Torbay and Coventry Councils
Congratulations to CYPW Network Steering Committee member Dr Thomas El-Hoss, who has been awarded NIHR funding for a two-year research project titled Supporting Reunification: Learning from Applied Research. The study will work with Torbay Council and Coventry City Council to explore how local authorities in England can develop more effective services to support children returning home from care.
Using an embedded research approach, the project will involve interviews with parents, young people, and service providers, alongside analysis of internal local authority data. The research aims to identify what helps or hinders stable reunifications and to produce guidance and resources that support the planning and delivery of reunification services across England.
Parents and young people needed for new neurodivergence study
Parents, carers, and young people aged 13–17 are invited to take part in groundbreaking research led by Alma Foster, doctoral student and trainee educational psychologist at the University of Exeter. The study explores why some young people self-diagnose as neurodivergent, how this affects families, and what support could help. Alma aims to highlight young people’s voices—often missing from public debate—and examine whether self-diagnosis is harmful or a step toward self-understanding. Parents and carers can use this link to read more about the study and to give their consent for their young person to take part. Please contact Alma at af712@exeter.ac.uk with any questions.
Help Needed: Study on Identifying and Supporting Young Carers
Drs Lauren Herlitz and Claire Powell at the NIHR Children and Families Policy Research Unit at the University College London (UCL) are seeking healthcare professionals for their study on how professionals decide when a child’s caring role becomes ‘too much’. Devon is one of the recruitment sites.
They’re especially looking for GPs, nurses, OTs, paediatricians, paramedics, and others in healthcare. You don’t need direct experience with young carers — just relevant insight from your role. More info and sign up: UCL study link or contact l.herlitz@ucl.ac.uk
New Network Theme: Interested in Social or Green Prescribing?
Following feedback at the CYPW Network Symposium and via the members survey earlier this year, we are exploring a new research theme in this area. If you have an interest in or connections to research in this area, we’d love to hear from you.
Please get in touch with us at cypwellbeing@exeter.ac.uk to discuss further and keep an eye on future newsletters for updates.
We would love to share your news here- please let us know about your publications and awards!
EVENTS
Can Minecraft Help Therapists Connect With Children and Families?
Discover how digital tools like videogames and digital sandtrays are transforming therapeutic work with children, young people, and families. This interactive online course explores how these tools can enhance engagement and outcomes in both face-to-face and online settings. Ideal for systemic practitioners, family therapists, and those working therapeutically with young people. Delivered by Ellie Finch, an expert in digital therapy with neurodivergent clients, this training offers fresh, practical insights. It’s taking place online on Thursday 12th March 2026
For more information and to register visit the event page above or email CREATEprojects-cedar@exeter.ac.uk
Public Engagement Workshop
Join Dr Dreolin Fleischer for an interactive workshop exploring how to engage the public with research. Learn why public engagement matters, who to involve, and how to reach your audiences effectively. Discover the benefits for both researchers and the public, and how engagement can enhance research impact. The session will also cover planning for evaluation and how your work fits into a broader context. Ideal for researchers at any stage looking to make their work more accessible and impactful. It’s taking place on Tuesday 11th November at the Streatham Campus. Read more and register here.
Psychological Professions Week 2025: Programme Now Live!
The full programme for Psychological Professions Week (10th–14th November 2025) is now available! All events are free for PPN members – and it’s quick and free to join here.
Across the week, PPN regions nationwide will host events exploring the NHS 10-Year Health Plan’s three shifts: sickness to prevention, hospital to community, and analogue to digital.
In the South West, highlights include Psychological Professions and the NHS Three Big Shifts (10th November) and the Clinical Associate in Psychology Annual Event (13th November).
View the full programme and register here.
Of Minds and Networks: Understanding Mental Health in the Age of Social Media
Join Computer Science and the Centre for Computational Social Science (C2S2) on Friday 5th December 2025 17:30–20:00 at the University of Exeter, Newman Lecture Theatres for Of Minds and Networks — a special Christmas Lecture and festive social with Professor Johan Bollen (Indiana University). An expert in computational social science, Professor Bollen will explore how large-scale web data can help address challenges in mental health, social equality, and public policy.
Enjoy the seminar followed by festive food and drinks, hosted by Computer Science and C2S2. Register via EventBrite.
Your event would look great here. Just email the details to cypwellbeing@exeter.ac.uk
OPPORTUNITIES
Opportunities to Support the CYPW Network
The Children and Young People’s Wellbeing (CYPW) Network is offering exciting opportunities for a PhD student or Early Career Researcher to get involved in coordinating our seminars and leading our social media activity. These roles will include becoming a member of the Network Steering Committee and will provide valuable experience in academic event organisation, communication, and engagement—excellent additions to any CV. The seminar coordinator will help plan and deliver engaging sessions across the Network, while the social media lead will develop and share content to grow our online presence. To express interest or find out more, please contact the CYPW Network team.
Launch of the Internal University of Exeter PPIE Participant Payment Fund
The University of Exeter has launched the Patient and Public Involvement & Engagement (PPIE) Participant Payment Fund, supported by Research England’s Participatory Research Fund.
A total of £5,000 is available, with applicants able to request up to £600. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis from 9th October 2025 until the fund is fully allocated.
Open to University of Exeter staff (and postgraduate students with a staff co-applicant), the scheme supports meaningful public participation in research.
Guidance and application materials are available via the PPIE Participant Payment Fund 25-26 Apply online: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/PbwvXen8re. Questions- contact PER@exeter.ac.uk
MRC Funding Opportunity – Pitching for Impact: The Networking Fund
Don’t miss your chance to apply for Exeter’s Medical Research Council Impact Acceleration Account (MRC IAA) Pitching for Impact call – deadline Monday 27th October 2025. This one-off funding opportunity offers up to £3,000 to help academics build external networks and collaborations with non-academic partners to develop future co-created impact projects. Applicants will deliver a 5–10-minute online pitch to a review panel outlining how they plan to foster impactful partnerships.
Apply via email: mrc@exeter.ac.uk Full guidance is available here: Guidance: Pitching for Impact.
Pitch Training Available: Creating Compelling Narratives workshops – 12th & 14th November. Open to all academics, there is more information here- Guidance: Creating Compelling Narratives Workshop. Apply by 31st October to attend and enhance your pitch!
Inspiring Women Network: Still I Rise Youth Empowerment Programme
As part of Black History Month, the Inspiring Women Network (IWN) is proud to relaunch Still I Rise, a free six-week empowerment programme for girls and boys of colour aged 7–18 yrs, beginning this November. The programme helps young people explore identity, confidence, and resilience through art, storytelling, and reflection, fostering pride and connection within their communities.
Apply via the website form by 30th October and email community@inspiringwomennetwork.co.uk
EPSRC Funding Opportunity – Pitching for Impact: The Networking Fund
Exeter’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Impact Acceleration Account (EPSRC IAA) is launching a new Pitching for Impact call to support the growth of external networks with non-academic partners. This one-off opportunity offers up to £3,000 to help initiate and develop collaborations that could lead to future impact projects. Applicants will present a short 5–10-minute online pitch to a review panel, outlining how they plan to build meaningful partnerships.
Open to all academic staff applying for EPSRC IAA funds.
The deadline for applications is Monday 3rd November. Applications are via email: epsrc-iaa@exeter.ac.uk See EPSRC applicant guidance for full details.
Exeter–Paris-Saclay Strategic Partnership: Call for Proposals (25–26)
The University of Exeter and Université Paris-Saclay have launched the first Bilateral Strategic Funding Scheme, following their July 2025 agreement. Open to all disciplines—with priority in climate science, law, AI and data, sport and health, and global health—the scheme supports collaboration through four programmes: Seed Fund Grants (up to €2,000/£1,700), Accelerator Grants (up to €10,000/£8,500), Visiting Research Student Fellowships, and Professional Development exchanges. Current calls include Accelerator Grants (deadline 10th November), and Professional Development Programme (deadline 10th November). Full guidelines and application details are available from the Partnership Website or contact GP-Funding@exeter.ac.uk.
Funding Opportunity: Wellcome Mental Health Award – Early Intervention for Young People
The Wellcome Mental Health Award is funding innovative research to transform early intervention for anxiety, depression, and psychosis in young people. This two-phase award supports scalable interventions that can be tested in real-world settings. Applications are open for the Foundation Phase and offer £200,000 over 12 months to develop proposals, with around 20 awards available. Successful teams may progress to the Impact Phase (from 2027), with funding of £5–8 million for up to 5 years. Projects must demonstrate strong evidence, potential for scale, and partnerships with implementing organisations in the UK or a low-and middle-income country (LMIC).
For more information visit wellcome.org. The deadline for applications for the Foundation Phase is 11th November 2025.
Landmark Futures: Applications Open for Free Stay in Historic Properties
Applications are now open for Landmark Futures 2025/26, offering academic organisations and research groups the chance to apply for a free stay in one of the Landmark Trust’s historic properties. Stays run from 12th January – 19th June 2026 and provide space to think, collaborate, and spark new ideas away from everyday pressures.
Application is via a simple online form and closes on Wednesday 12th November 2025. Outcomes will be confirmed on 12th December 2025.
Discover how to make your application stand out by reading the FAQs and apply today via the
Landmark Trust Website.
New One-Year CPD Course: Nature, Systems, and the Imagination in Therapy
The University of Exeter are delighted to announce a training opportunity for psychotherapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and allied health professionals. This one-year CPD course integrates nature, systems theory, and imagination into contemporary therapeutic practice through online lectures, in-person training, and immersive outdoor experiences, including a three-day retreat.
Running from March 2026 to April 2027 the programme explores therapy’s role within social, political, and ecological systems. To learn more or express interest, please please complete this short form. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 12th November.
CLS Scientific Advisory Network Vacancy
The University College London Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS) is inviting expressions of interest from experts to join its Scientific Advisory Network (SAN) — a cross-sector group of academic, policy, and third-sector specialists guiding the scientific direction of CLS’s longitudinal cohort studies.
To apply, complete the expression of interest form by Monday 17th November.
Find out more about SAN membership, eligibility, and benefits on the CLS website.
Call for Chair: Service Children’s Progression Alliance (SCiP Alliance)
The CYPW Network has been invited to engage with the Service Children’s Progression Alliance through the South West Hub. Rebecca Oliver, NHS Somerset Armed Forces Community Officer, is seeking a Chair or Co-Chair to lead the hub, supporting and championing the educational progression of service children in the region. This role offers an opportunity to influence policy, practice, and partnership working, ensuring service children are well supported in their learning journey. For more details and to express your interest, please visit the South West Hub | SCiP Alliance webpage.
Common Elements of Parenting Interventions: Call for Proposals
The Foundations charity is seeking proposals to design, deliver, and evaluate a ‘common elements’ approach to supporting parents within local authority children’s services. The project will identify and embed effective components of parenting interventions into everyday practice, enhancing support for families facing adversity.
The selected partner will receive up to £800,000 to deliver the work across a small number of local authorities in England over a period of up to 24 months (February 2026 – February 2028). The deadline to apply is 5th December 2025.
For more information and to download the application pack visit the Foundations Website.
or email programmes@foundations.org.uk
Information webinar: 12th November 2025, 14:00–15:00- sign up here.
Nuffield Foundation Strategic Fund – Call for Proposals
The Nuffield Foundation’s Strategic Fund is offering up to £15 million to support transformative ideas addressing major themes in UK public policy. Grants of £1–3 million are available for projects that combine rigorous research with clear impact, particularly those that are multidisciplinary, experimental, or innovative. Proposals should respond to one or more of the Foundation’s five priorities: prosperity and fairness; inclusion in a changing society; science and technology for people; climate change and society; and effective, trustworthy institutions.
The next deadline is 16th March 2026. Find out more: Strategic Fund | Apply for Funding | Nuffield Foundation
If you would like to discuss this opportunity with other CYPW Network members, please contact cypwellbeing@exeter.ac.uk
Playposium 2026 – Building a Playful Society
For the first time, the world-renowned Playposium is coming to the UK, hosted at the University of Exeter from 22nd –25th June 2026. This unique global festival brings together educators, researchers, artists, and playmakers to explore how play can create more connected and creative communities. The call for proposals is now open—submit workshops, performances, talks, or playful experiments to be part of the experience via this form Submit your proposal. Register by 8th June 2026 to join this vibrant celebration of playful and prosocial education.
Special offer: registrants receive 50% off InnoPlay Studio (15th –19th June).
Do you have Opportunities for Internships and Projects
The Network are often approached by PhD students and others seeking relevant internships or project opportunities. If you have any opportunities available—either short-term, research-based, or practical—we’d love to hear from you. We can share them directly with students or add them to our newsletter. If you're able to offer any opportunities, please contact us at cypwellbeing@exeter.ac.uk.
Let the world know you're a member of the CYP Wellbeing @ Exeter Research Network
As a member of the CYP Wellbeing Network you can update your university profile to add a ‘label’ which shows that you are a member. Adding this label will provide you with increased visibility (internally and externally) as an Exeter Research Network member, as it will enable your profile to be shared on the network’s online membership lists and search tools.
Adding a network label is quick and easy and there are instructions here. Please note that this label is not linked to your communications preferences for the network, and will not be removed if you unsubscribe from mailing lists.
Showcase Network Support: Tag CYPW Network in WorkTribe
Tagging the Children and Young People’s Wellbeing Research Network in your projects on WorkTribe highlights the value of the Network, supports its growth and capacity to provide more support to members. If the Children and Young People’s Wellbeing Research Network has contributed to your project, you or your team as members can tag it to showcase that support.
Examples include receiving seed funding, discovering funding opportunities via network communications, forming collaborations through the network, or using the network for engagement activities. Recognising network contributions not only strengthens your project but also enhances the visibility and impact of the networks themselves. Tagging Networks is very simple to do and will enable them to track the bids and projects which may arise directly or indirectly as a result of network membership. Very brief guidance is available here. Thank you.
RESOURCES
Discover the Exeter Innovation Ideas Hub
The Exeter Innovation Ideas Hub is a dedicated SharePoint site designed to support academics at any career stage with Knowledge Exchange (KE) and Business Engagement (BE). Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen existing partnerships, the Hub offers guidance on applying your research beyond academia and working effectively with businesses, government bodies, charities, and NGOs.
Explore the Business Engagement Toolkit and access a wide range of Training, events and resources to support your KE journey. Visit the Ideas Hub to find out more and start building impactful external collaborations. Or Gemma Mendham is our CYPW Network EI link and is happy to answer questions.
Funding for Impact, Grant Applications and Beyond
The Impact@Exeter team are excited to announce the launch of Funding for Impact: Grant Applications and Beyond, their latest Impact Essentials training. This pre-recorded module is available here and on the Impact@Exeter section of the RIME SharePoint site.
This 70-minute training, delivered in bite-sized sections, explores the impact funding landscape, strategies for securing funds, and tips for writing compelling, impact-focused proposals. It also dispels common funding myths and highlights how to include evaluation and evidence activities.
Perfect for all career stages, this flexible resource is designed for self-paced learning. Access the training and resources here on the Impact@Exeter area of the RIME SharePoint site.
CYPW Network Seminar recording- Dr Yinyin Zang
We were delighted to welcome so many of you to Dr. Yinyin Zang’s seminar on Developing a Culturally Informed Guided Written Exposure Therapy: Cross-Cultural Design and Empirical Evaluation in Chinese Adolescents and Adults with PTSD. The session offered insights into culturally adapted, scalable PTSD interventions. Dr. Zang’s work highlights innovative approaches to improving access to care in low-resource settings.
If you missed it or would like to revisit the session, you can access the recording from the CYPW Network website.
Introducing IN-Hub: Free Neurodiversity Resources for Schools
The University of Exeter is proud to launch IN-Hub, a free, evidence-informed database designed to support school staff working with neurodivergent children. With around 17% of pupils in mainstream schools having SEND, IN-Hub provides accessible, rated resources to help improve inclusion and educational outcomes.
Resources include lesson plans, classroom strategies, activities, and training materials—each appraised by researchers, educators, and families. IN-Hub aims to close the gap in support and empower teachers with practical, trustworthy tools.
Explore the hub, share with colleagues, and help shape a more inclusive education system for all learners.
Engaged Research for Health: Tools and Principles
Tools for Engaged Research offers practical resources for involving patients and the public (PPIE) at every stage of the research lifecycle—from conception to sustainability. Many organisations have developed guiding principles for engaged research. While approaches vary, shared themes include trust, two-way communication, power-sharing, flexibility, inclusive ethics, and accountability. Key frameworks include NIHR’s Guiding Principles, UKRI’s Co-production Principles, and PCORI’s Partnership Expectations. The resource also outlines engagement strategies across all research stages: design, data collection, dissemination, and evaluation. Produced by Wellcome and Equitable Health Futures, the full toolkit is available here.
Free Resources to Support Children’s Mental Health
This collection of free resources on children’s mental health are available on the Emerging Minds website. Designed for parents, carers, educators, and health professionals, these materials are based on scientific research, lived experience, and expert insight.
The resources explore key questions: What does children’s mental health look like? What influences it? How can we support children during tough times?
Covering topics from age-appropriate behaviour to nurturing emotional wellbeing, this toolkit helps adults better understand and respond to children's needs—laying a strong foundation for lifelong mental health.
New Guidance on Research Dissemination Available on RIME
Practical resources are now available on RIME to support effective research dissemination. The guidance offers tutorials, tips, and tools to help you plan strategies that ensure your work reaches the right audiences. Content includes a pre-publication checklist, advice on using academic networks, social media, and engagement events, plus guidance on creating impactful materials such as infographics. It also highlights approaches for engaging policymakers, industry, and other stakeholders.
Effective dissemination boosts research visibility, strengthens academic profiles, supports funding bids, and builds collaborations.
Access the resource here: Research Dissemination on RIME.
Explore PIVOT-RP: get personalised alerts for research funding opportunities
Research funding opportunities can be found on Pivot-RP. As part of ongoing work to develop university-wide support two curated Pivot-RP searches have been set up for fellowship applicants and active fellows that can be readily accessed and tailored to individual's needs. Guidance on how to do this can be found on the RIME Sharepoint site.
As part of adopting Pivot-RP the implementation team want to understand how colleagues are using the database and usefulness of it for their research work.
Explore Funding Opportunities with Funding Finder
Funding opportunities can also be found using the Funding Finder platform developed by the University of Exeter’s Andy Cunliffe, which signposts hundreds of funding opportunities for research, fieldwork, conferences, and exchanges, relevant to individuals at all levels from undergraduates to senior academics. With searchable listings of awards from £100 to £10 million, it's designed to support global collaboration and research engagement. Please use it and share it with your networks. Over 4,000 users from 92 countries have used the tool and more awards are being added frequently.
University of Exeter Internal Selection for External Funding Opportunities
The Research Development Team have created a new resource to streamline internal selection for external funding opportunities requiring institutional approval before submission. This process ensures strategic oversight and compliance where funders restrict the number of applications per institution.
The new SharePoint Site groups opportunities under five categories: Fellowships, Prizes, Grant Funding, Capital Equipment Funding, and Doctoral Training and includes all key internal and external deadlines.
For guidance, queries or to feedback please contact internalsifts@exeter.ac.uk
Thank you for reading our newsletter. Find out more about the Children and Young People's @ Exeter Wellbeing Network.
