Research and evaluation

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.