Title: A mixed methods study using co-production to explore food insecurity in adults with Severe Mental Illness living in Northern England.
Funder: Department of Health and Social Care

Abstract: Background to the research People living with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) are marginalised in terms of premature mortality from diet-related preventable illnesses. In the UK, it is estimated that 38% of people using food banks have a mental illness and food insecurity is more prevalent in Northern England. However, there is a dearth of UK-based research into experiences of adults living with SMI relating to food insecurity. Aim(s) of the research This coproduced study aims to gain an understanding of the experiences of adults with SMI living in Northern England in relation to food insecurity. Furthermore, it will investigate feasible and acceptable approaches to assist people with SMI to access healthy, affordable food. Design and methods used We will form a research collaborative with people living with SMI, Equally Well-UK (a charity), the NHS and universities. We will recruit and train two Peer Researchers (people living with SMI) to help us design an online survey and undertake semi-structured interviews. Interviews will probe how practice and policy can change to help people with SMI to access healthy, affordable food. Patient and public involvement This research idea was conceived through conversations with adults with SMI, who have been fully involved in writing this application. They advised that they would rather talk about food insecurity with a peer living with SMI than a researcher. Several people living with SMI will assist with data collection, sit on the steering group for the project and support with disseminating the results. Dissemination We will use multiple dissemination routes for the results and recommendations to reach a range of mental health providers and organisations supporting people with SMI and to influence practice/policy. We aim to undertake further research to design, implement and evaluate new approaches to increasing access to healthy, affordable food for people living with SMI.

Lay abstract: Background to the research Food Insecurity (FI) is the lack of financial resources to ensure that someone has reliable access to enough food to meet their dietary, nutritional and social needs. In the UK, it is estimated that 38% of people using food banks have mental illness. FI can lead to a range of health problems. Levels of FI are higher in Northern England. There is not enough research on the experiences of people with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) around FI. Aim(s) of the research We would like to understand the experiences of FI for adults with SMI living in Northern England. We would also like to learn how we can support people living with SMI to access healthy, affordable food. Design and methods used We will work with people with SMI, a charity, the NHS, and universities. We will employ and train two Peer Researchers (people living with SMI) to help us design an online survey and undertake interviews with people who have SMI. The interviews will ask about how services can be adapted or initiated to help people access healthy, affordable food. Patient and public involvement This research came from speaking to service users and they have been involved in writing this application. They explained that they would rather talk about FI to someone with SMI than a researcher. Two people with SMI will help with the survey and interviews. Two others will be part of the steering group. Dissemination We will use the results to recommend the best way to support people with SMI to access enough healthy food. We will raise awareness of the research findings to people working in mental health services and organisations supporting people with SMI. We plan to do more research into new approaches to overcoming FI for those living with SMI.

Research activity codes: 8.1 ORGANISATION AND DELIVERY OF SERVICES;7.1 INDIVIDUAL CARE NEEDS
Health categories: MENTAL HEALTH