Introduction:
The University of Lincoln is launching a new mental health research project on Friday 1st May 2026.
This is a 5-year project focused on improving mental health and wellbeing for rural, coastal and small urban-deprived communities.
You can get involved yourself, or help us connect with people and communities who should be involved.
About the Project
The project will focus on four main areas:
- Improving crisis care and suicide prevention
- Creating a county-wide mental health data dashboard
- Better understand and support communities that are often overlooked
- Helping people and communities stay well while making better use of services that already exist
A key aim is to involve local communities, not just academics, and to build Lincolnshire as a centre of excellence for mental health research – turning local priorities into research and new ideas that make a real difference.
Ways You Can Get Involved
They want lived experience to be part of everything they do. There are different ways to take part, depending on your interests and how much time you have.
Lived Experience Advisory Panel
- Meets around 4 times a year
- Looks at how the project is progressing
- Gives feedback on whether the work is helpful, meaningful and appropriate
- Helps shape projects from the start through to delivery
Steering Group Member
- Meets monthly
- Offers strategic advice and guidance
- Makes sure lived experience is included in key decisions
- A “light-touch” role
Community Researcher / Research Connector
- Flexible involvement
- Helps researchers connect with local communities
- Supports engagement and participation across Lincolnshire
- May involve talking to people, gathering views, or supporting research activity
Community Engagement Roles
- Helps reach people in local communities
- Supports involvement of underserved and diverse groups
Research Coordinator or other roles
- Opportunities to help deliver and coordinate the project
- Some paid roles may be available, including PhD opportunities
Some roles are paid, and others are voluntary, with expenses covered.
Practical Information and Support
- Meetings will be online (via Teams), in person, or a mix of both
- Travel and other expenses will be reimbursed
- They want everyone to be able to take part . If you have a disability, mobility needs, or need any extra support, please let them know. They are very happy to make adjustments so you can take part comfortably.
How to Get Involved
If you’re interested, please send an email Jon Mansfield at jon.mansfield@everyone.org.uk
Include:
- Your full name
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Which role(s) you’re interested in from the list above (or describe how you’d like to be involved)
Please don’t worry if your interests don’t fit neatly into the roles listed – they are open to all ideas and happy to shape involvement together.
Thank you for your interest in helping to shape the future of mental health research and support in Lincolnshire
