Feasibility Study Ready to Launch!

Over the last few months, our therapy leads have been busy developing the training programme for the FReSH START feasibility study. They have put together three manuals, one for each therapy – ACT, CBT and PIT. Together with some face-to-face training, these manuals will help guide our participating therapists in the FReSH START approach for self-harm.

At the same time, Kate and Petra have done a fantastic job in recruiting sites for our feasibility study. We are very pleased to announce we are working with four sites across northern England:  LGI and St. James  - Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Oldham Hospital – Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, and Northern General - Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust. These sites have identified 21 therapists for the training and feasibility study, and we are extremely grateful for their participation.

There are some real challenges in all mental health services at the moment, particularly around staffing and workload, and we are well aware that participation in research is not always easy for therapists. However, despite these challenges, we have been impressed with the enthusiasm shown for the FReSH START study. Trusts have been really supportive and encouraging about the ideas behind our new therapy and the therapists recruited have been keen to gain new skills and join in the research. The levels of enthusiasm have spurred us on and we cannot wait to get started with the feasibility study this month!