31st October 2024

Now recruiting young women who became mothers aged under 25 to our advisory group

Ruth Naughton-Doe

What is the purpose of the research? Mothers under 25 years old (‘young mothers’) are more likely to experience mental health problems than older mothers, and they may need support to live independently. They may have limited access to the social support that is vital for parental and child wellbeing. Social issues including inadequate housing, lack of money, limited social connections, and loneliness may harm the mental wellbeing of young mothers. Prevention and reduction of mental health problems during the perinatal period (covering pregnancy to two years after birth) is important, particularly as perinatal suicide rates are increasing. Young mothers who have experienced trauma as children, including care experiences or abuse, are particularly at risk of poor mental health. Providing social support to young mothers can help to reduce their risk of poor mental health.  However, many overstretched services (including midwifery, health visiting and mental health support) are only supporting people when they are in crisis. Despite how important it is, many services are not supporting young mothers before they reach that point. Services based in the community that offer one-to-one support with a professional or a volunteer, could be a cost-effective way to support young parents with their social issues and prevent mental health problems. Research evidence suggests that these services can improve parents’ wellbeing, but there is a lack of evidence about what works specifically for young mothers. How was the research developed? The research was developed through partnerships with young mothers and people working in services, and organisations working to change national policy. We chose this research topic based on the priorities of these organisations. What will the research do? The research aims to develop an understanding and explanation about how community-based services can best support the mental wellbeing of young mothers during the perinatal period. We will do this through: •           Reviewing relevant literature •           Exploring and evaluating four community-based services for young mothers. This involves talking to 40 young mothers about their experiences. Two advisory groups will guide the research, one for people with lived experience of being a younger mother, and one for other stakeholders/professionals/academics. The research findings will be analysed by the research team and the advisory groups to develop ideas about what works, for whom, why and in what circumstances to improve young mothers’ wellbeing. What will the research produce? We will produce: •           Advice for services and professionals on how to support young mothers •           Something to be decided by young mothers, such as a film challenging stigma. These will be shared in an online end-of-study event and through partner organisations and our wide networks. This is timely and important research as young mothers’ mental health has gotten worse following the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. Who is leading the research? The research is led by Dr Ruth Naughton-Doe and Professor Martin Webber. It is based at Centre for Mental Health Social Care at the University of York. The research is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Programme for Social Care. What is the role of the Lived Experience Research Advisory Group? The Lived Experience Research Advisory Group will help us to: Find ways to recruit young mothers to our research Ask young mothers interview questions in a sensitive way Develop theories about how best to provide social support for perinatal young women Plan ways for research findings to result in real world change to improve support for perinatal young women Who will be involved in the Research Advisory Group? Women who were pregnant or had a baby aged under 25. We want to involve parents who represent diverse experiences, including LGBT+ parents, parents of multiples, parents with large families, parents from ethnic minorities, single parents, neurodiverse parents, parents with disabilities or chronic illness, parents with mental illness, and parents managing with low incomes. What do I have to do? The Research Advisory Group will meet online. You will be invited to participate in nine meetings lasting between 1.5 hours each. We will try to organise meetings at times that best suit the group. Prior to the meetings, you will be sent information to review. You will sometimes be sent invitations to review information in between meetings, but this is optional. How will the group be run? The meetings will be online and chaired by Jayde Edwards and a team member. The first meeting will involve getting to know each other and setting ground rules. It is important that group members feel comfortable sharing opinions and perspectives on the research. Everything you share will remain confidential within the group. After each group, you can email or WhatsApp us with any further thoughts. Will I be paid? Members of the public who are involved in research should be rewarded and recognised for their contribution. Reimbursement will be based on NIHR Policy on payment of fees and expenses for members of the public actively involved in research. The rate will be £25 per hour with a maximum of £75 per meeting including preparation time. You can either claim cash or Love2Shop vouchers. We will discuss our fees and expenses policy with you after recruitment. Research Advisory Group meetings (exact dates and topics TBC) Introductions (December 2024) Asking the right questions, and helping young mothers to feel comfortable (January 2025) What do you think helps young mothers? (April 2025) What do we need to ask the staff about their services? (July 2025) Discussing early findings (October 2025) Looking at what we’ve found out (January 2026) Reflecting on everything so far (April 2026) What do we want to share about the research? (July 2026) Celebration and next steps (November 2026). How do you choose who becomes a member? There are limited places on the Research Advisory Group, so if there is a lot of interest, not everyone interested will be able to take part. The decision about who is invited to take part will be made based on an effort to include a wide range of people. If you are interested in taking part, or have any questions, please let us know. Please let us know your name, briefly what experience you bring, and why you want to be involved. Text/WhatsApp Ruth on 07355 624309 Or email sw-perinatal-research@york Your responsibilities Attend and contribute to meetings There will be up to nine meetings where you will be asked to offer your lived-experience perspective on our study methods and results. This is very important to the success of this work. You will be expected to prepare for meetings by reading documents sent in advance. You can also send information before the meeting, such as questions or suggestions for discussion points. Input on other research activities You may also be contacted between meetings for your input on matters related to the research. This additional work is optional. Our responsibilities An initial meeting to discuss any questions you may have, and to be fully briefed about the project. We will do our best to support you to feel happy and comfortable to share your opinions. To reimburse you for the time you spend preparing for or attending meetings. Mentorship and training in research if you want it. Any questions to be answered in confidence or at the team meetings. Opportunities to contact a member of the study team before and after each meeting. Person specification You will have lived experience of being a young mother (under 25). You do not have to be under 25 now, this experience can be from when you were younger. However, you must be aged 30 or under. Any questions about the research? Text/WhatsApp Ruth +44 7355 624309 or email sw-perinatal-research@york.ac.uk