Improving Support for Recovery

To provide the best possible care for people experiencing psychosis, we need to understand what truly helps. Our research explores how services can combine formal and informal supports, therapies, and social factors to give people the best chance of recovery.

Why does this matter?

Traditional treatments, like medication, remain central, but newer research highlights the importance of addressing trauma, stress, and social needs. A more holistic approach—including psychotherapy, education, and employment support—could transform outcomes.

So, how can services evolve to better support recovery for everyone, regardless of background? Our research aims to find out.

The Background

People with severe mental health difficulties like voice-hearing, visions, or unusual beliefs may be diagnosed with psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Medication is the primary treatment, but newer research challenges the notion of lifelong illness, suggesting the need to address trauma and interpersonal stress.

There is a need for more holistic services incorporating psychotherapies and support for work and education.

Our Research Question

How should services be configured to best use formal and informal supports and therapies for different people experiencing psychosis, and why?

Our Aims and Objectives

• To understand and produce clear explanations of how people recover when they experience psychosis. We recognise that recovery is different for different people.

• To produce clear explanations of how services can improve recovery rates and ensure everyone has an equal chance of recovery across different ethnicities.

• To plan how to change services and apply for further funding to make these changes and see if this helps more people recover.