Mental health difficulties are common during pregnancy, and after childbirth. This research aims to make care for these difficulties fairer and easier to access.
People get lots of different types of care for mental health difficulties – from GPs and mental health services, but also from family and community organisations. Ideally, the types of care people get would depend on what works for their needs, and on their preferences. But that’s not always the case. There are worrying inequalities in people’s experiences of care. Some people seem to be missing out on treatment when their difficulties start, which could lead to their difficulties getting worse. This research will look at who gets different types of care, and when and where they get it.
Dr Morwenna Senior is a medical doctor who is doing a PhD at the University of Manchester. As a public contributor, you would be helping to shape her PhD research and helping to interpret and share the findings. Dr Morwenna is looking for people who:
- Have experienced mental health difficulties while pregnant, or within two years of having a child.
- Or… have supported a family member/friend with this kind of difficulty.
- Or… have worked for a voluntary, community, faith or social enterprise organisation supporting people with these difficulties.
She is particularly keen to hear from people who have been diagnosed with psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar affective disorder in the past. She is also keen to hear from people who have struggled with their mental health, but never told a healthcare professional. A variety of diverse perspectives would be valuable to the research, and participants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Morwenna would particularly like to hear from you if you would describe your ethnicity as Black, South Asian or White Non-British or if you are a migrant.
Expected commitment from participants:
- 5 public contributors will be recruited to join an online advisory group.
- The group will meet online, for 1 hour each time.
- They will meet 4 times over the next 3 year, dates to be confirmed.
Closing date to apply: 27th March 2026
If you would like to contribute but you prefer not to join a group, you can speak to Morwenna about other ways to take part.
Meeting dates/times will be arranged to suit group members.
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