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  • Adolescents' experiences of risk and protective factors in relation to mental wellbeing and mental health: a typology developed using ideal-type analysis

    Part of a three-year HeadStart evaluation across six English authorities, this study explores adolescents’ views on risks, protective factors, and supports that help them cope with challenges and promote positive outcomes.

    Authors: Eisenstadt, M., Stapley, E., Benedito, M. et al.

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  • A qualitative study of English school children’s experiences of two brief, universal, classroom-based mental health and wellbeing interventions

    Focus groups with 65 pupils (aged 8-12) from seven English schools explored experiences of mindfulness and relaxation lessons. Children valued calm classroom settings and variety in activities, highlighting factors that support effective delivery.

    Authors: Stapley, E., Hayes, D., March, A. et al.

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  • Public participation in mental health programming: insights into the ways young people are involved in the development, delivery, and evaluation of mental health initiatives in school and community spaces

    Study of 76 school mental health participation activities across six English authorities found varied youth influence levels. Applying Davies’s Matrix Model, it highlights the need for intentional, transparent participation approaches aligned with programme goals.

    Authors: Dolaty, S., Midouhas, E., Deighton, J. et al.

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  • Ethnic inequalities in adolescent mental wellbeing: An interaction analysis of social identity markers, risk and protective factors

    Analysis of #BeeWell data (N=67,866, aged 12–15) found several minoritised groups reported better mental wellbeing than White British peers. Interactions with gender, support and discrimination varied by ethnicity, revealing complex and nuanced patterns.

    Authors: Stepanous, J., Irizar, P., Mills-Webb, K. et al.

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  • Young people’s views of social prescribing as an approach to improving mental health: A qualitative study

    Young people shared mixed views on social prescribing for mental health: many valued it as a non-medical option, while others worried it could replace therapy. Factors like access to resources influenced how helpful they felt SP could be.

    Authors: Olsson, A., Stapley, E., Russell, A. et al.

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  • Challenging school experiences of absence and return for young people with chronic health conditions: a qualitative study

    Students with chronic health conditions report higher absence, academic setbacks, and isolation. Findings highlight gaps in school support and staff knowledge, underscoring the need for policies to mitigate the impact of unavoidable absence.

    Authors: Herlitz, L., Jay, M. A., Powell, C. et al.

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  • Public participation in youth mental health: how young people shape initiatives in schools and communities

    This study examined how young people are involved in school and community mental health initiatives across six local authorities in England. Using Davies’s Matrix Model, it categorised 76 participation activities, highlighting varied approaches and impacts.

    Authors: Dolaty, S., Midouhas, E., Deighton, J. et al.

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  • Universal school-based interventions to improve children and young people’s emotional outcomes: a systematic review

    This review explores universal school-based interventions for emotional outcomes in young people, going beyond anxiety and depression to include wider symptoms and new studies, particularly the growing focus on mindfulness in schools.

    Authors: Hayes, D., Deniz, E., Nisbet, K. et al.

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  • Rural community interventions for youth mental health: A rapid scoping review

    This study reviews community-based interventions for youth mental health in rural areas. Evidence from 12 publications shows positive impacts on wellbeing and community ties, though further research is needed.

    Authors: McDougal, E., Sheikh, A. (joint first authors) et al.

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