Back to MECS

 

School Mental Health Innovation Network (SMHIN) 

 

SMHIN

What is the SMHIN?

The School Mental Health Innovation Network (SMHIN) is being developed by MECS and the ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health to create practical, evidence-based mental health interventions that are shaped by the real-life needs of young people in South London.

How will the SMHIN work?

  • Specialist research teams, mental health professionals, policymakers and school communities will co-develop practical solutions to the mental health & wellbeing needs of young people at school.
  • These interventions will be assessed in partner schools for their feasibility and impact, building a strong evidence base for what works in the real world.
  • Partner schools will also receive support via workshops, training, access to resources, and opportunities to pilot new programmes, and involve students, staff and parents in research.

What are the benefits of joining the SMHIN?

 

Benefits for Schools

  • Expert Support
    Access mental health resources and expert guidance from leading researchers and clinicians.

  • Tailored Interventions
    Co-develop or test evidence-based interventions, workshops, and training programmes.

  • Community Opportunities
    Offer students, staff, and parents opportunities to engage in research, including placements at KCL.

  • Collaborative Learning
    Join a network of schools, share knowledge, and shape future mental health practices together.

 

Benefits for Researchers

  • School Engagement Made Easy
    Connect directly with schools open to collaboration – no cold outreach needed.

  • Real-World Evidence
    Test and refine interventions in school settings, building a strong evidence base.

  • Cross-Disciplinary Insights
    Work alongside education professionals, clinicians and policymakers for deeper impact.

  • Policy & Practice Impact
    Help shape how schools approach mental health, turning research into real-world change.

Inaugural SMHIN Workshop

December 11th, 2024

The School Mental Health Innovation Network (SMHIN) launched its first workshop in 2024, bringing together over 100 attendees, including young people and professionals across the mental health, education and policy sectors. This event, sponsored by the Maudsley Charity, featured thought-provoking talks, panel discussions, and roundtable sessions, setting the stage for the powerful collaborative nature of this initiative.

For a more detailed read on the first SMHIN workshop, check out this blog.

Dr Bruce Clark
Roundtable discussions
Philip Shaw addressing the workshop
Discussions chaired by Dr Jacqueline Phillips Owen
Roundtable discussions
Posters
Aché addressing the workshop

Some of the key themes that came out from our December workshop:

  • The importance of collaborating: researchers, clinicians and school communities need to work together – our combined knowledge and experiences are the key to improving mental health in schools.
  • Tailored interventions for schools: every school is different, resources cannot be one-size-fits-all, but instead need to be adaptable to effectively take into account the diversity of school communities.
  • The impact of social media on young people’s mental health: there is a need for clearer guidance on how schools and families can navigate social media platforms to support young people’s wellbeing.

Want to read more about the outcomes of the workshop? Check out our Workshop brochure!

(Landscape view is recommended for mobile devices)

Feedback video

Check out the video below highlighting the feedback we received from our workshop attendees! 

Want to get in touch?  

Whether you are a school, a research group or an organisation, we would love to hear from you! Contact us if you have any questions, would like to collaborate and/or to hear more about our initiatives. 

Email Address: mecs@slam.nhs.uk 

 

Address

The Michael Rutter Centre

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust- Maudsley Hospital

De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AB