Mind invests a significant amount of money in research and evaluation; this work being important to the provision of high quality services and the generation of evidence supporting policy and system reform.
Our Research and Evaluation team is leading the work to embed outcome measures in our service system which will help us know the impact of our services. The team also leads research activities supporting policy advocacy and system reform.
We aim to work in partnership with consumers and carers, academics, peak bodies and other services so we can be sure our research addresses issues that make a difference to people’s experience of the service system and their lives.
We have had a major partnership with the Centre for Mental Health at the University of Melbourne for six years where we funded a Principal Research Fellowsheip, held by Dr Lisa Brophy (she is now at La Trobe University). We also partner with the University of South Australia where we part-fund a lived experience academic position in the School of Nursing and Midwifery. These partnerships have been instrumental in building a culture of research and evidence at Mind.
We also commission research, evaluation, and policy projects with other universities and specialist consultancies.
For more information about our research program, contact Dr Laura Hayes, Research and Evaluation Manager, [email protected] or 0400 454 849.
Current research projects
Young carers
The Young Carers project aims to understand more about the experience of young people who care for family members and close friends who have mental illness in regards to the impact of caring on their education. Peer researchers will be interviewing a number of young carers. The family member or friend, and the young person's nominated teacher will also be invited to share their experiences. The aim of the research is to understand more about the possible supports and adjustments that could improve engagement with education.
Have your say about what it’s like being a young person in school whilst also having a parent with a mental illness
We are interested in talking to young people and their parents about their lives together, particularly in relation to their experiences around education. Families are complex, and parents with a mental illness are just as able to be wonderful, supportive parents to their children as any other parents.
That said, some young people who support a parent living with mental illness may have unique educational needs. We would like to find out more about what these needs may be, and help schools and teachers be supported to assist families in a way that best suits their circumstances.
We would like to talk to you....
- If you are a parent living with mental illness/mental distress
- If you are a young person whose parent has a mental illness and you are attending secondary school (or left school in the last six months)
- If you are interested in hearing more about our interviews, then please contact Senior Researcher Dr Laura Hayes on (03) 9455 7000 or 0400 454 849, or by email on [email protected].
Participants will be remunerated as an acknowledgement for their time and expertise.
Research projects in partnership
In addition to the work that we are leading, we are a partner on the following research projects:
Quitlink
Quitlink is a randomised control trial being led by the University of Newcastle to better understand the support needs of people with mental health issues who want to cut down or quit smoking. Recruitment for the project is across both St Vincents and Mind with the aim of recruiting 382 participants across the two sites. What is unique about this project is the combination of peer support, nicotine replacement therapy and quitline counselling support.
Peers in Emergency Departments
The University of Melbourne and Mind received a grant from the Melbourne Social Equity Institute (MSEI) to develop a model of peer support in hospital emergency departments. The funding covers the work of a peer researcher and was extended to include a PhD candidate who also has a lived experience. The model has been developed and is now being refined. A training package for the peers has been developed and is under review.
Our Evidence base
At Mind, we invest in research and pay attention to developing our practice so that it is up-to-date with the latest evidence.
In this section, you will find our published frameworks and documents that guide our practice.
You will also find some of the literature published by others that we think is an important reference, and our own published research reports and presentations.
How to get involved in research at Mind
Undertaking research with consumers, families, carers and staff at Mind
If you would like to partner with us on research, please contact Dr Laura Hayes, Research and Evaluation Manager, [email protected] or 0400 454 849.
We provide research and recruitment promotion for Mind research partners only.
Participate in current research activities
We are currently recruiting for participants in various research studies. Contact Dr Laura Hayes, Research and Evaluation Manager, [email protected] or 0400 454 849.
Publications
Our publications library including past and current issues of Mind View, Annual reports, Mind Strategic Plan, Peer Work in Australia and Peer Advice on applying for the NDIS.