PhD Studentship: Exploring Equality of Access to Community Mental Health Assets Promoted Through a Novel Digital National Hub: A Mixed Methods Investigation

ESRC DTP Collaborative Studentship

De Montfort University and Chasing the Stigma

The Midlands Graduate School is an accredited Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). One of 15 such partnerships in the UK, the Midlands Graduate School is a collaboration between the Universities of Warwick, Birmingham, Nottingham, Aston, Leicester, Loughborough, De Montfort and Nottingham Trent.

De Montfort University as part of Midlands Graduate School is now inviting applications for an ESRC Doctoral Studentship in association with our collaborative partner Chasing the Stigma to commence in October 2025. Chasing the Stigma are a national mental health charity committed to ending mental health stigma and ensuring everyone can access clear pathways to support.

Mental health (MH) services across the UK are under increased pressure due to increases in number of people seeking assessment and treatment. Waiting times have increased, with more people getting worse while waiting for assessment & treatment. Consequently, this has exacerbated the MH treatment gap, characterised by high demand and low resources to meet MH needs. Community MH assets can reduce the impact of the MH treatment gap. These are predominantly provided by the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. However, inequitable access likely worsens MH inequalities, particularly for deprived and marginalised groups.

Therefore, this PhD research will investigate the use of Hub of Hope, a UK digital open access MH support database established by Chasing the Stigma. It contains directory information of 14,500 services, and is accessed by 20,000-30,000 novel users monthly. Using mixed methodology approaches, this PhD will investigate national socio-demographic inequalities in access and availability of community assets promoted through the hub. The project will also investigate lived experiences of adults using the hub, and of health professionals promoting community MH assets through the hub. The successful candidate will collaborate with Chasing the Stigma across a range of project tasks. These activities will be hybrid with some site visits to the Chasing the Stigma Liverpool office.

The student will join the PGR community in the interdisciplinary Social Sciences Research and Innovation Institute (SSRII), with a vision to be global leader in pioneering transformative basic and applied research that shapes a more just, equitable, and sustainable society. We are keen to work with a candidate with a demonstrable passion for promoting mental health and wellbeing, a significant interest in addressing inequalities, strong analytical skills, and adaptability to different methodologies. Confidence in handling large quantitative data sets is desirable.

Application Process

To be considered for this PhD, please complete the Collaborative Studentship application form via the above ‘Apply’ button. Please upload an anonymised CV as part of the online application process. Shortlisted applicants will also be required to provide transcripts and two references. Interviews are expected to be held 4^th March 2025.

Application deadline: Friday 21^st February 2025

Midlands Graduate School ESRC DTP

Our ESRC studentships cover fees at the home rate, a maintenance stipend, and extensive support for research training, as well as research activity support grants. Support is available to both home and international applicants. For further details, visit: www.mgsdtp.ac.uk/studentships/eligibility/.

Informal enquiries about the research or the Social Sciences Research Institute prior to application can be directed to Dr Blessing Marandure blessing.marandure@dmu.ac.uk.

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