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Interdisciplinary methods in mental health research: MARCH Network meeting

Added on Thursday, September 19th, 2019

As members of the MARCH Network, ICC Head of Research and AHRC Leadership Fellow Kerry Wilson and Dr Kaye Richards (Faculty of Health) hosted an event on 18 September 2019 here at Liverpool John Moores University, for fellow members of the network’s special interest group (SIG) on Interdisciplinary Research Methods.

The MARCH Network is one of 8 national networks funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) as part of the 2018 Cross-Council Mental Health Plus call, to further research into mental health. MARCH focuses on social, cultural and community assets – which includes the arts, culture, heritage sites, libraries, green spaces, community centres, social clubs, community associations and volunteer groups – and the role they play in enhancing public mental health and wellbeing, preventing mental illness, and supporting those living with mental health conditions.

During the meeting, Kerry presented the institute’s research on the value of museums in dementia care, focusing on her experiences of developing a mixed-method evaluation framework. Participants also heard from SIG Chair Professor Kamaldeep Bhui (Centre for Psychiatry, QMUL), who gave an inspiring presentation on the work of the Synergi Collaborative Centre and his research on ethnic inequalities, severe mental illness and multiple disadvantage.

The inaugural SIG meeting has helped to stimulate MARCH Network activity in the North West region, expanding SIG membership and helping to develop interdisciplinary methodological practice within and across the network. Notes from the meeting will be shared with the group, contributing towards a major SIG output in 2020 (e.g. conference and journal special issue).