Sophia Forum is helping with recruitment for a number of research studies – please see the listings below:
Study exploring support for women living with HIV who have experienced violence in intimate relationships
Despite the recognised increased likelihood of experiencing intimate partner violence for women living with HIV, there continues to be very little research focusing on this population. This study hopes to understand the impact that intimate partner violence (that is, incidents or patterns of controlling, coercive, or threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse from an intimate partner) may have on access to social and health care for women living with HIV. This includes seeking support, accessing health, and engaging with services. In hearing about the women’s experiences, it is hoped that an in-depth understanding of the specific experiences will be gained, and in turn help to address the gaps in service provision and improve much-needed accessibility to services.
You can take part in the project if:
- You are aged over 18 and were born or identify as female
- You are living with HIV
- You have experienced violence in intimate relationships
Taking part in the research involves an interview lasting approximately between 1 hour and 1.5 hours. To be involved contact the lead researcher, Lea Beretti at Lea.Beretti1@nhs.net.
Engagement and Experiences of Perinatal Mental Health Services
How was your experience of NHS mental health services during pregnancy or after giving birth?
UCL have launched an extremely important new project to capture new mother’s and pregnant people’s experience of mental health services during the perinatal period. Research documents that up to 20% of pregnant people and new mothers experience mental health problems during pregnancy or following birth. However, despite this, little research has explored how supported new mothers and pregnant people feel by NHS services during this time period. This project aims to fill this gap, with the aim to help develop future mental health services, to better support mothers and birthing people in times of need.
You can take part in the project if:
1. Are currently pregnant or have been pregnant in the past 3 years
2. Were referred for NHS mental health support during your pregnancy or after giving birth
The research project requires you to complete a short, anonymous, and confidential online survey. This survey can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/supporting-mums. The survey aims to capture your experience of the support you were provided, as well as information on your mental health and pregnancy.
Once you have completed the survey, you can opt into a prize draw, where you will have a chance to win up to £100.
If you have any questions, please contact the lead researcher (Ellie Bennett) via email: Eleanor.bennett.13@ucl.ac.uk
Please share this message with anyone who you feel may want to contribute to this project.
Together we can help inform the development of Perinatal Mental Health Services to better support families.