New network will accelerate the influence of research and evidence on mental health practice

A brand-new Wales Mental Health Research and Evidence Network has been established to further strengthen connectivity between research, evidence, and clinical practice.

Professor Jon Bisson, Director of the National Centre for Mental Health and Co-chair of the Wales Mental Health Research and Evidence Network, said: “There are many rich sources of knowledge coming from all over Wales, but to make the biggest impact on mental health clinical practice, this knowledge needs to be mobilised in the right way. We need to champion a learning system where research, evidence and experiences are used effectively to inform continuous improvements in mental health service delivery.”

Professor Jon Bisson speaking to attendees at the Mental Health Research and Evidence Network launch

The Wales Mental Health Research and Evidence Network will bring together professionals from a range of mental health specialties, as well as people with lived experience, to create a community that can respond more rapidly to the direct challenges that NHS Wales is facing, by generating knowledge that can more effectively influence practice. Furthermore, it will help to generate a shared understanding of additional research priorities for Wales, from the perspective of all stakeholders, and inspire collaborative action as to how these can be addressed.

Table discussions at the Mental Health Research and Evidence Network launch

An event has taken place at Cardiff University to mark the launch of the Network. A diverse group of stakeholders representing lived-experience, mental health professions and academia, came together to discuss where the Network can add value, showcase current mental health research projects and highlight opportunities for collaboration. The event strengthened understanding of research activity taking place across Wales and supported consideration around what it means for future service delivery.

Ciara Rogers, National Director of Mental Health, Learning Disability and Neurodiversity, added: “Thank you to everybody who contributed to the launch of the Wales Mental Health Research and Evidence Network. It was fantastic to see such a diverse group of people coming together with a shared interest in harnessing the power of research and evidence to improve mental health practice and make a difference for our population. There were some fantastic insights gathered throughout the day that are going to be instrumental in informing next steps – we’re really excited about the passion and potential that has been demonstrated through some of these early conversations.”

The creation of the Wales Mental Health Research and Evidence Network marks a key milestone in the delivery of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-35.

The Wales Mental Health Research and Evidence Network will be led by the Strategic Programme for Mental Health at NHS Wales Performance and Improvement and the National Centre for Mental Health.

Get in touch with us at NHSPI.SPMH@wales.nhs.uk with any queries or if you’d like to hear more about future events.