Mental Health Research UK
Mental Health Research UK (Charity No: 1125538) is the UK's first charity dedicated to funding research into the causes of mental illness in order to develop better treatments with fewer side-effects. Co-founded in 2008 by Professor Clair Chilvers,[1] the late John Grace QC,[2] and Dr. Laura Davidson,[3] the charity advertises funds available for Ph.D research scholarships, for which Universities apply. The charity has a scientific advisory board, and shortlisted candidates are interviewed. The successful University then advertises for the best Ph.D student in a further competitive process. To date, Mental Health Research UK has awarded five research scholarships each worth in the region of £120,000 in the areas of schizophrenia, depression, and suicidal behaviour. It is currently offering awards for research into schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In 2014, the Schizophrenia Research Fund merged with Mental Health Research UK.
Mental Health Research UK has a strong link to the legal profession, with three of its Trustees being barristers (John Grace QC, Dr. Laura Davidson, and the President of the Supreme Court, Lord David Neuberger). The charity set up the John Grace QC Ph.D scholarship focusing on schizophrenia in memory of the late John Grace who died from a brain tumour in 2011, and whose relative suffers from the disorder.
Depression awareness campaign
Mental Health Research UK has an annual depression awareness campaign on the third Monday of January each year called Blooming Monday.[4] Everyone is encouraged to wear bright clothes for the day to engender discussion about mental health issues and break down stigma. Voluntary donations contribute towards research into depression. Stephen Fry and Ruby Wax have both tweeted their support of the charity's campaign.
Trustees
Professor Clair Chilvers, Dr. Laura Davidson, Lord David Neuberger, Professor Nick Rawlins, David Pugh, Ann Dickinson BVSc. MRCVS, David Riggs