Towards a new model of population mental health research and policy translation in the UK: establishing a National consortium

Background
Mental health conditions account for 18% of years lived with disability worldwide. 1-in-6 adults are affected in England, with most mental health conditions beginning in childhood and adolescence. Mental distress and ill health are unequally distributed in the UK, with strong associations with wider determinants of health, and higher prevalence among systemically disadvantaged groups. Currently, there is a lack of evidence to inform effective and timely policymaking for primary prevention in the UK.

Methods
In recognition of these challenges, a national Population Mental Health (PMH) Consortium was established, as part of Population Health Improvement UK (PHIUK). PHIUK is a national research network which works to transform health and reduce inequalities through change at the population level. Our aim is to establish an interdisciplinary PMH Consortium, focussing on upstream determinants and the prevention of risks and onset of mental health conditions through interdisciplinary stakeholder engagement, to create new opportunities for population-based improvement of mental health in the UK.The PMH Consortium brings together leading interdisciplinary representation in population mental health, spanning from sciences to the arts, across the UK. Membership includes six academic institutions, third sector organisations, lived experience expertise, and strong links with national bodies to ensure integrated cross-national and regional policy impact. The PMH Consortium comprises four cross-cutting platforms (Partners in policy, implementation, and lived experience; Data, linkages, and causal inference; Narrowing inequalities; Training and capacity building) and three challenge areas (Children and young people’s mental health; Prevention of suicide and self-harm; Multiple long-term conditions) which are highly integrated and interdependent. The work will be underpinned by a Theory of Change across an initial four-year life cycle.

Conclusion
This paper describes the aim, objectives, and approach of the PMH Consortium, as well as anticipated challenges and strengths. The goal of the PMH Consortium is to develop a model for population mental health research and policy translation that is both scalable and sustainable. It is critical to ensure continued impact and viability beyond the initial four years, contributing to the prevention of mental health conditions in the UK, with personal, economic, social, and health benefits.

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