Research & innovation
Research
Leading innovation and social research in the Forest of Dean.
Why we research
Evidence, shaped by the people we serve
Good support is built on good evidence. We develop our services through research and development, testing what works in a rural community facing real pressures, and learning openly from it.
Our research focuses on the social determinants of health, the conditions that cause and worsen distress, and on connection, belonging and purpose as powerful, lasting interventions. It is grounded in co-production, so the people who use our services help shape them.
What guides our work
- Focused on the causes of distress, not only the symptoms.
- Co-produced with the community, not done to it.
- Practical, so findings translate into better support.
- Shared openly with local partners and services.
Our focus
Where we concentrate our efforts
Social determinants of health
Understanding how poverty, isolation, housing and employment shape mental health across the life course, and what a rural service can do about it.
Connection as a treatment
Building the evidence for belonging, purpose and social connection as effective, lasting support alongside clinical care.
Evaluation & outcomes
Measuring the distance people travel, so we can show what works, improve what does not, and make the case for early, upstream support.
The evidence base
The science behind our service
Our research sits alongside a wider body of evidence for treating the causes of distress and for connection, belonging and purpose as effective, lasting interventions.
Read the evidenceWork with us
We welcome partnership with local services, academic colleagues, funders and community organisations who share our focus on the social determinants of health.
Get in touchPartner with us on research
If you are interested in collaborating, evaluating a project, or learning more about our work, we would love to hear from you.
Get in touch