Transition for Eating Disorder Youth intervention (TEDYi)
Co‐producing an inclusive‐care model for young people transitioning from adolescent eating disorder services to adult care (TEDYi) The transition from CAMHS to adult services is a particularly high‐risk period for young people with eating disorders (EDs) due to their vulnerability to change, which has been identified as a significant risk factor for relapse and poor treatment outcomes. Experience evidence‐based interventions can empower young people as well as their families, and those involved in service delivery by facilitating understanding of their roles and increasing self‐management of symptoms. Therefore, this study aims to develop a new intervention model Transitions for Eating Disorder Youth intervention (TEDYi) to support young people aged 16–18 years with Anorexia and/or Bulimia Nervosa or ARFID, and other comorbid mental health problems, and their families as they transition to adult care. Participation involves online individual interviews (30-60 minutes; reimbursement £10 voucher) and if participants wish they can contribute to the second phase of the study which includes attending four workshops (£30 each for 90 minutes) to develop TEDYi. We are looking for young people or carers with a young person: (1) 16–21 years with a primary diagnosis of ED either BN or AN or ARFID based on DSM‐5 criteria; AND (2) 16–21 years with EDs who are currently in TIER 3/4 ED specialist units; OR (4) 18–21 years with EDs who have moved from TIER 3⁄4 (outpatient/inpatient care) ED specialist units to adult services and/or the community. For more information, please contact [email protected] 
SHIFT: Shaping a Hopeful, Inspiring Future in Transition
This project aims to develop novel skill-sharing resources (guidance leaflets) designed for young people, parents, and teachers to facilitate pupil’s transition from primary to secondary school in England. The objective of the proposed project is to work in partnership with specialist advisers including young people (Year 5-Year 9), parents, teachers, mental health professionals and researchers from King's College London to design useful resources such as transition guidance leaflets and produce a report for transitions from primary to secondary education. Young people experience multiple transitions before entering secondary education pertinent to developmental, social, emotional, and academic changes, which often impact their mental health, psychosocial well-being, and school outcomes. These transitions coincide with the 11+ exams for a considerable number of students. Compelling evidence suggests that young people exhibit lower self-esteem and poor socio-emotional adjustment, anxiety, depression, lack of sleep and loss of appetite both before and after taking these tests. Prevalent views that selective schools attract more intellectually capable students contribute to fragmented perceptions of self-worth and poor mental health outcomes. There is very little evidence and school guidance about improving the socio-emotional and psychological effects of 11+ exams and the transition to secondary school from the perspectives of both young people and their parents. Children and adolescents are reporting adverse mental health effects in the aftermath of COVID-19, influencing their overall well-being and educational experiences. The prevailing cultural emphasis on academic achievement from an early age can trigger anxiety, and induce psychological distress and other detrimental symptoms in young individuals, often leaving them with minimal or no support, which may have long-term effects on their mental health. The present study will involve 60 participants including 15-20 young people (10-14 years), 15-20 parents and 10 teachers and 10 mental health professionals. Advertisement leaflets of the study will be shared through professional networks and young people charities to recruit participants. Participants will be recruited by expressing interest in the research to take part in two rounds of advisory groups. The advisory groups are to be held online on Microsoft Teams platform and will take between 60-90 minutes. If you are interested please contact Alanta McKenzie at [email protected] |
Piloting ReGoal
A serious mobile game for young people with conduct problems The current study aims to pilot and assess the usability, feasibility, and acceptability of a game-based application that is ReGoal designed for young people with and at risk of conduct problems. ReGoal was co-designed and co-produced with young people 11-16 years across the UK. The findings suggest that young people with conduct and peer problems use games to ease and regulate anger, aggression, and anxiety but majority agreed that they find interesting and rewarding games which include a competition element. ReGoal was built on young people's suggestions and feedback which clearly demonstrated they value entertaining as well as educational elements. This is the second phase of the study to test if Regoal can be used in young people as an educational and therapeutic tool to manage behavioural problems. ReGoal is a 2D exploration game in which young people can create their own character and are exposed to different scenarios and levels. Points will be gained based on choices. The player is able to explore the level and interact with objects. We would like to involve 72 young people between 11-16 years. You can participate if you are 11-16 years and you like playing video games. You can participate if you find it often difficult to handle your emotions when frustrated. You can participate if you have a diagnosis of conduct disorder and/or ADHD and/or autism. However, this is not a requirement for the study. Please DO NOT participate if you are receiving ongoing treatment for (1) lifelong depression or bipolar disorder, (2) psychosis, (3) epilepsy, (4) neurological disorders, (5) intellectual disabilities, and (6) colour blindness. For more information, please contact [email protected] 
Exploring Therapy Engagement in Adolescents
The Impact of Eating Difficulties, Demographic Variables, and Historical Trauma Eating problems among young people in the UK have become a growing concern, reflecting broader trends in adolescent mental health. Recent studies indicate that eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder are on the rise among adolescents. Approximately 1.25 million people in the UK are affected by an eating disorder, with a significant proportion being young people aged 11-18. Mental health problems, in general, are more prevalent among those from socially deprived backgrounds. Adolescents in these areas are at a higher risk for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and behavioural disorders. The interplay between socio-economic deprivation and mental health is complex, with deprivation often leading to increased stress and reduced coping mechanisms, further compounding mental health issues. This project will use routine data to investigate therapy engagement among young people aged 11-18 attending therapy in schools and a therapeutic centre. The primary aim is to explore how eating difficulties, demographic factors, and historical abuse interrelate and influence therapy engagement. By analysing anonymised data, the study seeks to identify patterns that could inform better therapeutic practices and interventions. The target demographic encompasses a diverse group of adolescents, providing a comprehensive overview of the different factors at play. |
