Could you help shape research into severe mental illness?

If you have lived experience of severe mental illness, such as psychosis, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorders, help researchers develop an important new study.

What experience do I need to help?

 You will need:

• lived experience of severe mental illness, such as psychosis, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorders, including caring responsibilities
• a willingness to share your perspectives and experiences in online meetings
• an understanding of the challenges faced by people living with severe mental illness or supporting someone with severe mental illness

More information

This is a collaborative project between the University of Oxford, Cardiff University, King’s College London and the University of Birmingham.

This project will collect bio samples, such as blood or saliva, and questionnaire information from people with severe mental illness so that we can support studies to explore biological, social, and environmental factors behind these conditions. Your input will help ensure the project is designed in a way that works for participants and is sensitive to their needs.

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Severe Mental Illness Bioresource is looking for people to join an online Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) group to share their insights and help guide this groundbreaking study.

What will I be asked to do?

You will be asked to join quarterly online meetings, each lasting 90-120 minutes.

You may also be asked to review documents, such as participant information sheets, outside of meetings for up to one hour.

How long will I be needed for?

You can stay involved until the study concludes in January 2028 or you can request to leave at any point before.

What are some of the benefits for me?

Benefits to you:

• Ensure the project reflects the priorities and experiences of people living with Severe Mental Illness
• Help make mental health research more accessible and inclusive

The study team will: 

• Cover reasonable travel expenses, if necessary
• 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?

You’ll have access to ongoing support from a designated Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) lead or the project manager.

If you need training or have accessibility requirements, they’ll help you with those too.

The SMI BioResource is part of the NIHR Mental Health Translational Research Collaboration, and the coordinating centre is the University of Oxford.

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.