FAMILIES in Keynsham and the surrounding area are being invited to take part in a research project aimed at improving understanding of children’s mental health and experiences at school.
The study is being delivered by the NIHR Mental Health Research Group (MHRG), a collaboration between the universities of Bath, Bristol and Exeter, which is working to improve mental health research and support for children and young people across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.
As part of the project, researchers are recruiting local families to join a long-term study that will follow children over time to better understand how school experiences, behaviour, emotions and wellbeing develop. The findings will help shape future support and services for children and families.
The MHRG team recently attended Keynsham’s Play Days event on August 11, run by Bath Area Play Project. The MHRG team met local children, young people and families to raise awareness of the study and learn more about the issues affecting families in the area.
Supporting the project is Ella Showering (pictured above), a Keynsham resident who is working with the team on the study, helping to engage local families and support recruitment. The research team is particularly looking for families with children who:
*Have difficulty following school rules and expectations, which affects their learning.
*Have been on a behaviour support plan or have been suspended or excluded from school.
*Often feel overwhelmed, frustrated or dysregulated at school.
*Live in, or attend a school in, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon or Wiltshire.
Researchers hope the study will provide valuable insights into the experiences of children facing these challenges and help develop better support and services for young people and their families.
Ella said: “As someone who grew up living and attending school in Keynsham, it’s great to be involved in research that gives back to the community and could make a real difference to local children and families. We would love to hear from families who think the study might be relevant to them and are interested in contributing to research that could help shape future support.”
Families who take part will receive payment in recognition of the time they give to the study. Researchers stress that getting in touch does not commit anyone to participating. The team is happy to answer questions and provide more information about what taking part would involve.
For more information, email pathways-study@bath.ac.uk or phone 07980 962364.
