The Social Health Cohort Study
Find Out More
This study aims to understand how the people in our life, like friends, family, or others we spend time with, affect daily life and wellbeing. We’re also looking at how physical health, like stress and inflammation, might play a role in mental health. We are hoping that this study will help us find new ways to support mental health that go beyond traditional treatments, by looking into how social connections and everyday experiences can make a difference.
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What is involved in this study?
The study will last for 12 months and participants will be invited to:
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Take part in three surveys and two study visits
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Map out your social connections (people you see, speak to, or spend time with)
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Provide blood and saliva samples and your physical measurements (optional)
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Participants don't have to take part in everything
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​​​What happens when?
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Who can take part?
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Adults aged 18-95 years old, living in England
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People with a diagnosis of Major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder or a psychosis related condition
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People who are currently supported by an NHS mental health team
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Your local NHS Trust is participating
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People who feel confident speaking in English with health professionals
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Eligible regions​
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​Below shows the regions currently supported by a participating NHS Trust:​
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East London NHS Foundation Trust
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Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
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​Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust
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Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust​​
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Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
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Interested?
Talk to your clinician to find out more.
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Read about each part of the study in detail:
Study Visit
Online Survey
Participants start with a 30-minute online survey about quality of life, mental health and social connections. Participants can complete it on their phone or computer, and support is available is needed. This survey will be repeated 6 and 12 months later.
Participants meet with a researcher (up to 2 hours) at a local health service or at home. Participants will be asked about their mental health and the people, groups and places important in their life.
Optional Measurements & Samples
During the visit, participants can choose to:
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Provide physical measurements (e.g. height, weight)
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Give a blood sample (taken by a trained professional)
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Provide a saliva sample (at home or during the study visit)
Optional Daily Check-Ins on a phone
Some participants may use a smartphone app for 7 days at different points in the study. Participants will answer short questions about mood, activities, and social interactions.
Optional Neighbourhood Tour
Participants may be invited to take part in an additional interview about their local neighbourhood.
To find out more, please
download the documents below: