Do you want to help people with mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions receive better care?

Help support the development of a unique service and shape the future of mental health genetics in Wales.

What experience do I need to help?

It would be helpful if you:

• have personal or lived experience of a mental health or neurodevelopmental condition, such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, major depression and schizophrenia
• are interested in contributing to research that involves both genetic information and mental healthcare
• understand (at a basic level) that genetic factors can contribute to mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions

More information

The All Wales Psychiatric Genomics Service, established in 2022, provides genetic counselling and testing for people with mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions.

This study seeks to understand the long-term impacts of psychiatric genetic variants on patients and their families.

Your involvement will be invaluable in helping researchers determine how the service can improve care and support.

What will I be asked to do?

Attend three one-hour online meetings to help researchers develop the protocol and identify the areas of greatest importance for patients.

You will also have the option to continue as a public contributor if the study is funded.

How long will I be needed for?

Three online meetings, each lasting one hour, with an additional hour of preparation before each meeting. The meetings will be held monthly. 

What are some of the benefits for me?

Benefits to you:

• Play a key role in shaping a cutting-edge mental health genetics service.
• Develop your understanding of research processes, including creating protocols and identifying research areas.
• Opportunities to lead or chair meetings, write blog posts and potentially join the study as a contributor if funded.

Our team will: 

• Cover reasonable travel expenses and additional carer or childcare costs,
• Offer payment for time of £25.00 per hour (people can request less if they are in receipt of state benefits). 

Have a look at our guidelines for more information about this.

If you are receiving any benefits, you can access confidential advice from the Benefits Advice Service for Involvement.  

What support is offered?

A designated contact person to assist you with any questions or support you may need.

Training and information resources will be provided to support your involvement.

How do I apply?

Complete the online form and tell us how you meet the required experience. 

Not sure how to complete the online form or would you like to discuss an opportunity further?

Then the team can help you, contact us by email to set up a chat. 

Access to any information you share with us is secure, restricted and dealt with confidentially. 

 What happens next.

If your application fits the required experience, it will be sent to the project lead.

We will contact you with updates on the progress of your application.

If you have any questions, please contact us by email or call 02920 230 457.