Mental Health Award: Transforming early intervention for anxiety, depression and psychosis in young people

The Mental Health Award is a two-phase research funding programme to test real-world effectiveness, conduct full health economic evaluations and assess implementation and scaling strategies of psychological or social interventions for anxiety, depression and psychosis in young people. The Foundation Phase provides up to £200,000 for 12 months to develop teams and detailed proposals; successful Foundation Phase teams are invited to apply to an Impact Phase expected to provide £5–8 million for up to five years. Research must be a definitive effectiveness study with implementation and economic evaluation, and take place in the United Kingdom and/or low- and middle-income countries. Wellcome will support teams through a community of practice during the Foundation Phase.

Research funding (£200,000 Foundation Phase; £5–8 million for Impact Phase for selected teams), access to a community of practice and Wellcome support during the Foundation Phase.

Teams led by an established researcher from eligible organisations based anywhere in the world (apart from mainland China). The research must take place in the UK and/or low- and middle-income countries. Teams must include required expertise, at least three and no more than twelve applicants, at least one implementation partner and one early-career researcher as a named coapplicant; at least one lead applicant or coapplicant must be based in each country where research will take place.

Apply through Wellcome's funding platform; applicants must contact Wellcome before applying. Foundation Phase applications open week commencing 28 July 2025.