WTF Research Project

Initiative purpose:

The aim of this research is to provide an understanding of the current climate relating to the mental health and wellbeing of young people, under the age of 25. This research provides insight for us to pursue all of our goals.

Supported goals:

Work with local organisations and groups to improve attitudes towards mental health and to implement early intervention programs

Improve access to information and resources to support mental fitness

Be a visible, proactive, and positive presence in our communities

Train our trustees and volunteers as Mental Health First Aiders and equip them to be vital advocates for WTF

What are we doing:

The 74 page document provides an executive summary and recommendations which will inform the decisions WTF makes in the future. The research identified three key areas WTF needs to explore:

improving mental health literacy for staff as well as students
ways to engage parents and families so they are better able to support young people
the development of mentorship programmes in University

More about our WTF Research report

Leo Gancalves is a Portuguese graduate of Psychology and Criminology from Nottingham Trent University who has a passion for research and mental health. She joined the WTF team in March as part of the Futures You programme. Thankfully, much of the literature review and secondary research was carried out prior to the lockdown, and Leo was able to complete her research from home.

The parameters of the research were limited to three main areas that WTF had identified as key to developing the long term strategy for the projects we are planning to provide in the local area:

the barriers that prevent young people accessing support for mental health and wellbeing
factors impacting on the wellbeing of university students
the cultural context of mental health and suicide

Leo presented her findings to the Trustees in June, 2020.

If you are interested to see the research please contact us.