Department of Psychological Health, Wellbeing and Social Work

Our research in this field focuses on the social, physical and emotional wellbeing of people experiencing long-term health conditions. This includes an interest in innovative and creative approaches to improving wellbeing, such as the use of music and other arts-based interventions.

We also explore the development of social networks and approaches to improving isolation – which is often experienced by people living with long-term conditions.

Featured project.

Health and Social Wellbeing in Long-term Conditions

Our research in this field is influential in developing clinical practice and informing alcohol policy.

Based in the University’s Institute for Clinical and Applied Health Research, our work leads on the development of clinical and public health research into alcohol and drug use. With a keen interest in collaborative projects, we maintain and grow research that changes lives and communities.

Featured project.

Alcohol and Drug Research

We deliver high-quality research that empowers people with dementia to live well and improve their end of life care. Our outstanding track record across a wide range of dementia-related research includes work to address the needs of people caring for dementia patients.

People with dementia, their families and their carers inform our work at all stages. We work closely with local and national dementia charities, the NHS and regional and national social care research systems. Our work is supported by our dementia advisory board which consists of people with dementia and carers.

Featured project.

Dementia Research

Our research considers the needs and perspectives of those who deliver care and support to people living with long-term health conditions.

This includes a focus on developing the support available to family and informal carers, as well the practice of paid staff and practitioners. We also investigate practice approaches that can lead to improvements in care and support and explore new approaches in the provision of health and social care.

Featured project.

Developing Care and Practice Research

This research strand focuses on multi-morbidity – or living with two or more chronic conditions – a rapidly growing feature of healthcare with ageing populations in the UK and worldwide.

Multi-morbidity reduces quality of life and physical functioning, increases mortality rates, hospital admissions, psychological distress and polypharmacy. It also has significant socioeconomic repercussions – and negatively impacts the quality of life of the families and carers of those affected.

This research programme recognises the importance of undertaking research on multi-morbidity – challenging the orientation of single disease models, which dominate healthcare worldwide.

Featured project.

The Lived Experience of Multi-morbidities