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Newsletter: July 2025
Welcome to the Children and Young People's Wellbeing @ Exeter Research Network newsletter
Contents:
NEWS | EVENTS | OPPORTUNITIES | RESOURCES
Keep reading to learn about recent network member publications, an opportunity to collaborate on an exciting new Wellcome funding call, how to get involved in a potential new green prescribing/ nature network theme, and lots of useful resources.
We're taking a break now for August but we'd love to share your latest projects, publications, events and opportunities when we return in September. Just email cypwellbeing@exeter.ac.uk
NEWS
What’s New After the Symposium and Writing Retreats?
Thank you for joining our recent Annual Symposium and writing retreats! We’d love to hear how they’ve impacted you and your work. What did you discuss? Any new collaborations, reconnections, or ideas for papers or grants?
Please share your updates so we can celebrate your successes, support your next steps, and showcase the great work you're doing. Together, we shape the future of our growing network.
Email us at cypwellbeing@exeter.ac.uk or contact the discussion leads below.
- Theme 1: Meaningful involvement of children and young people in research- Leads: Hollie Gay & Kate Townsend
- Theme 2: Bio-psycho-social-cultural Mechanisms of Mental Health- Lead Angeliki Kallitsoglou and Lisa Price
- Theme 3: Mental Health and Education- Leads: Silvana Mareva and Darren Moore
- Theme 4: Adverse Childhood Experiences- Lead Thomas El-Hoss and Katie Wood
How Diet Affects Adolescent Cognition and Mental Health: Early Findings from a Systematic Review
A research team from the Universities of Birmingham, Bristol, and Exeter presented findings at the 20th UK Society for Behavioural Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting (March 2025), exploring how adolescent diet impacts cognition, mental health, and wellbeing.
The systematic review screened over 8,000 studies, with 52 included. Early results show consistent links between low-quality diets and poorer executive function, depressive symptoms, and behavioural issues.
Joseph Coombes presented the team's work at our Network Symposium and highlighted an urgent need for more research on how dietary intake shapes adolescent development. View the Symposium poster presentation here.
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. Please contact Thomas if you would like to know more!
New Report: Youth Voices in Mental Health Funding
The Youth Voices report from the Being Initiative (hosted by Grand Challenges Canada) offers vital guidance on meaningful youth engagement in mental health funding. Co-authored with youth advisors, the report reflects on two years of collaboration, highlighting strategies for funders to include young people at every stage of the funding cycle. Key recommendations include clear engagement plans, consistent communication, fair compensation, and opportunities for mentorship. The accompanying Anthology of Personal Stories shares powerful reflections from youth leaders. Download the full report and explore how youth can co-lead efforts in global mental health funding.
New Publication: School-Based Mental Health Support for Migrant Youth – A Scoping Review
A new open-access article in the Journal of School Psychology by Katie Howard, Darren Moore, Eleni Dimitrellou and Lenka Janik Blaskova maps existing research on school-based mental health (SBMH) interventions for migrant children and young people. The review identifies a significant gap in culturally and contextually appropriate SBMH support, despite growing need. Barriers to access include stigma, systemic obstacles, and limited school-family partnerships. The authors call for an intersectional, social-determinants approach to better support migrant youth’s mental health in educational settings. Read the full article: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsp.2024.101393
Animations Reveal Impact of School Discipline on Pupils’ Mental Health
Two animations from an Applied Research Council (ARC) West project highlight how school discipline affects mental health in English secondary schools. Based on interviews conducted by the Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG), the animations feature real pupil voices and stories.
The first video, A Day in the Life, shows how both punished and compliant pupils struggle emotionally. The second, Isolation, shares a student’s frustration with repeated punishments.
“These animations bring the issues to life,” said lead researcher Dr Sarah Bell. Watch the videos and learn more about
the project on the ARC West website.
Hannah Sherbersky & Mark Rivett Contribute to Landmark Psychiatry Text
Congratulations to Hannah Sherbersky and Mark Rivett, who have co-authored the Systemic Family Therapy chapter in the newly released 7th Edition of Rutter’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, alongside U.S.-based family therapist and researcher Rick Miller.
This globally renowned textbook offers an authoritative and up-to-date overview of the field, including new content on digital interventions, global crises, and diversity. Each chapter is supported by video summaries and teaching materials.
Their contribution highlights the importance of relational, family-based approaches in child and adolescent mental health. Find out more: Rutter’s 7th Edition.
Exploring Digital Health Interventions for Young People with ADHD: A Systematic Review
A systematic review on digital interventions for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), has been published in the international journal European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. University of Exeter nursing students Elleie McGlynn and Katherine Lister contributed to the review, along with members of the Children and Young People's Mental Health (ChYMe) and CYPW Research Network. Their review highlights the potential of digital health interventions to support young people with ADHD in the UK, particularly during the transition from child to adult services. Findings suggest that co-produced interventions may enhance feasibility and acceptability, paving the way for future tailored digital solutions. Read the full article here.
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
We would love to share your news here- please let us know about your publications and awards!
EVENTS
Funding Opportunity: Wellcome Mental Health Award – Early Intervention for Young People- WEBINAR
Join Wellcome for this webinar on Wednesday 3rd September to learn about the upcoming Wellcome Mental Health Award supporting scalable, real-world early interventions for anxiety, depression, and psychosis in young people call. The award offers £200,000 for a 12-month Foundation Phase,
with the opportunity to apply for £5–8 million in a 5-year Impact Phase. Projects must be scalable, real-world, and co-designed with those with lived experience. Details released week of 28th July. Book now at wellcome.org.
Interested in collaborating on a CYPW Network application? Email: cypwellbeing@exeter.ac.uk.
Upcoming Webinar: Dyslexia in Schools
Public Policy Exchange is hosting a webinar, Dyslexia in Schools: How to Ensure All Pupils Receive the Support They Need, on Thursday 4th September 9:30am- 1:00pm.
Confirmed speakers include Sarah Reay- Head of Accredited Learning and Development at Patoss and Cathy Magee OBE- Chief Executive at Dyslexia Scotland). Topics include identifying dyslexia, improving teacher training, addressing regional disparities, and creating inclusive learning environments.
This event is ideal for education professionals and stakeholders. For more information and to register visit the Public Policy Exchange website. For queries contact events@publicpolicyexchange.co.uk
Images of Research Competition Now Open to ECRs and PGRs
The Images of Research competition offers Early Career Researchers (ECRs) and, for the first time, Postgraduate Research Students, the chance to communicate their research to a non-specialist audience through powerful images and clear, engaging descriptions. Over the years, the competition has attracted hundreds of entries, highlighting the breadth of research at our university. Entries will be showcased online this autumn, with winners promoted via social media. The closing date is Monday 8th September. For guidance on how to enter, submission tips, and to view past entries, please visit the competition webpage.
Workshop: Immersive VR in Human Cognition, Perception & Action
Monday 8th September, 09:30–16:30 in the Henderson Lecture Theatre, Xfi Building, University of Exeter
Join the Exeter Immersive Research Network for a free, day-long workshop exploring how immersive virtual reality (VR) is reshaping experimental psychology.
Discover cutting-edge research on cognition, perception, and performance using VR. Highlights include keynote talks from Professor Dorothy Cowie and Professor Michael Proulx, plus oral and poster presentations from multidisciplinary researchers.
Sponsored by the Experimental Psychology Society. Lunch and refreshments provided.
Register via EventBrite for the final few spaces. Organiser: Dr Gavin Buckingham
Enter Capturing Ecology 2025 – Call for Entries!
The British Ecological Society’s Capturing Ecology photography competition is back! Showcasing global stories of ecological beauty, struggle, and survival, photographers are invited to submit their most striking images of the natural world. Entries are open until Tuesday 30th September 2025.
With more categories than ever — from animals and plants, behaviour, mobile ecology and ecologists in action— this year’s contest offers a top prize of £750 and 12 months free BES membership. To learn more and submit your image visit the BES website
OPPORTUNITIES
Funding Opportunity: Wellcome Mental Health Award – Early Intervention for Young People
Wellcome will soon open applications for its Mental Health Award supporting scalable, real-world early interventions for anxiety, depression, and psychosis in young people (ages 10–30, with a focus on under-18s) call.
The award offers £200,000 for a 12-month Foundation Phase to build teams and develop full proposals. Selected teams can apply for £5–8 million in the 5-year Impact Phase (from February 2027). Projects must involve implementation partners and include people with lived experience.
Full details of this call will be published the week commencing 28th July. For more information and to book your place at the information webinar on Wednesday 3rd September visit wellcome.org. The deadline for applications is 11th November 2025.
CYPW Network application- if you would be interested in leading a network application, or attending
a meeting to explore further please contact cypwellbeing@exeter.ac.uk
UKRI Policy Internships Scheme Now Open
UKRI’s Policy Internships scheme offers UKRI-funded PhD students a unique opportunity to spend three months embedded in leading policy organisations. Interns gain first-hand experience translating research into policy by producing briefing papers, participating in inquiries, or organising policy events. The scheme, supporting around 125 placements annually, helps students develop valuable skills for diverse career paths. Open to doctoral students funded by any UKRI research council, the 2025 round is open from 2nd June to 8th September. For more information and to apply, visit the UKRI website or email researchcareers@nerc.ukri.org
Opportunity to Join the MRC Board and Panel Associates Scheme
The Medical Research Council is currently recruiting for its Board and Panel Associates Scheme. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into the funding process and help shape future research priorities. Gemma Sharp, a current associate, describes it as "a really enjoyable and valuable experience." You can read about her experience here and find full details and an application information here.
NIHR Call for Applications: interventions for children and young people’s mental health
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research (PHR) Programme seeks research on effective interventions to promote mental health, early intervention, and prevent mental ill-health in children and young people. Focused on population-level interventions, particularly for disadvantaged groups, the research should address mental health and its wider determinants, with an emphasis on reducing inequalities. For more information and to apply, visit the NIHR website. The closing date for applications is 15th August
Apply Now: International Interdisciplinary Research Projects 2026
The British Academy invites applications for its 2026 International Interdisciplinary Research Projects programme, supporting collaborations led by UK-based humanities and social sciences researchers with international partners. Projects must address one or more transnational and planetary challenges: climate governance, digital tech, global health, or space governance.
Awards of up to £300,000 over two years are available. Projects must begin in March/April 2026. Applications close on 17th September 2025. Apply now and find more details here.
For queries, contact: internationalchallenges@thebritishacademy.ac.uk
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 CPD Opportunity: Multi-Family Group Training 2025
CEDAR Create is pleased to offer Multi-Family Group Training: An Experiential Training 2025, a three-day online CPD event running 22nd- 24th October, 09:30–16:30 via Zoom.
This evidence-based training introduces clinicians to the structure and impact of multi-family group treatment, a powerful adjunct to single-family therapy. Participants will engage in key exercises, take on roles in created families, and explore systemic facilitation techniques, following the Maudsley Manual framework.
Open to clinicians in CAMHS and adult services, especially those working with eating disorders.
For more information and to book visit Cedar Create | Multi-Family Group Training: An Experiential Training 2025. And contact createprojects-cedar@exeter.ac.uk with questions.
Connecting Research with Regional Impact
Lindsey Anderson, Regional Engagement Manager at Exeter Innovation, leads on the Exeter and Devon County Civic University Agreements. She is a key contact for researchers seeking to engage with regional public and voluntary sector partners, including local authorities, NHS organisations, charities, and the Devon, Plymouth and Torbay Education Alliance. To find out more please get in touch. Lindsey has agreed to support the network in building research partnerships with key stakeholders. Please email cypwellbeing@exeter.ac.uk if you would like to hear more.
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.
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
Resources from Dr Maria Loades’ Talk on Single-Session Interventions
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Dr Maria Loades’ talk on scaling out single-session interventions (SSIs) for adolescent depression. Dr Loades, Clinical Psychologist and Reader at the University of Bath, shared insights into how SSIs can improve early access to mental health support for young people. Her work, backed by NIHR fellowships, focuses on expanding effective, brief interventions in real-world settings.
Her slides are available from the CYPW Network website here and the papers and resources she referenced via the links below:
- Co-produced infographic: Where young people seek help online and what they think of in https://www.bath.ac.uk/publications/findings-from-can-we-connect-research-project/ and a linked paper https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39401093/
- What young people think of single session interventions: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40275416/
- Gillick competence assessment process for use in low risk online anonymous studies https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40037678/
- Frontline professionals use of and attitudes towards technology to support interventions for adolescents with depression symptoms https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37931245/
For members interested in NIHR career support, Maria has shared a blog https://mentalhealthresearch.org.uk/case-studies/maria-loades/ and an interview she produced https://www.nihr.ac.uk/story/how-dse-award-provides-strong-foundation-research-careers
Healthier with Nature – Connecting People and Nature for Wellbeing
Healthier with Nature is the West of England’s nature-based social prescribing programme. It supports people’s mental and physical wellbeing through local nature activities like food growing, art, walking, swimming, conservation, and nature therapy.
Rooted in community, the initiative is backed by a partnership of organisations committed to integrating nature into everyday life, healthcare, and recovery.
Download the July newsletter from naturehealthwest.org.uk for information about a wide range of opportunities and funding news across the region.
Interested in Social or Green Prescribing? Following feedback from the CYPW Network symposium, we’re exploring a new research theme. Marie Clancy, one of our leads, already works closely with Natural England — do you have other links or an interest in this area? We’d love to hear from you and discuss further. Please email us at cypwellbeing@exeter.ac.uk.
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 is now 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.
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.
Useful Resources from the Researcher Development Team
Explore a range of tools and support available from the Research Development team to help you navigate research funding and project development:
- Applications Library - Home– Browse successful past applications for inspiration and guidance.
- Finding Funding Opportunities (PIVOT-RP) – Discover upcoming calls.
- The Research Lifecycle – Access support at every project stage, including Worktribe guidance and financial planning.
For queries or support, contact Karolina Jaworek, Research Development Manager.
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.
Explore PIVOT-RP: get personalised alerts for research funding opportunities
In October 2024, the University transitioned to Pivot-RP, a powerful online database for finding research funding. Users can search for external and internal funding calls, set up tailored searches, receive funding alerts, track opportunities, and collaborate with colleagues. The platform also provides updates on conferences, paper calls, and research news.
To maximise benefits, users should create an account, claim their profile, and join public groups for bi-weekly funding alerts. Training guides and access information are available on the RIME SharePoint: Finding Funding Opportunities (PIVOT-RP).
Explore Funding Opportunities with Funding Finder
Funding Finder platform developed by Andy Cunliffe 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 are using the tool, and 400 more awards being added by the end of August.
Thank you for reading our newsletter. Find out more about the Children and Young People's @ Exeter Wellbeing Network.
