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CompletedInterventional

A feasibility trial supporting employees with a clinical diagnosis of a mental health complaint and receiving treatment for mental health problems to remain engaged and productive at work

Around one in six workers experience mental health problems each year. Without the right workplace support, staying well and productive can be difficult. This clinical trial tests a new programme designed to connect healthcare and employment. The study introduces a specialist worker known as a Mental Health Employment Liaison Worker. This professional works directly with employees receiving NHS mental health care and their line managers. Over three months, they meet to talk about practical ways to manage workplace challenges, communicate openly, and stay healthy on the job. Researchers want to see if this kind of support is practical and helpful for everyone involved. Half the participants receive the support right away, while the other half receive it after a three-month wait. Taking part helps researchers learn how best to support mental wellbeing in workplaces across the UK.

At a glance

Status
Completed
Sponsor
University of Birmingham
Enrolment target
56
Start
11 Jun 2021
Estimated completion
15 Sep 2021
Clinical diagnosis of a mental disorder

What is this study about?

Many of us spend a large part of our days at work, but balancing a job with a mental health condition can feel overwhelming. In the UK, mental health difficulties are very common, yet employees often find it difficult to talk to their managers about what they are going through. When workplaces do not know how to help, workers may struggle in silence, feel isolated, or end up having to take long periods of sick leave.

This study, called the MENTOR trial, is testing a fresh approach. It introduces a dedicated specialist called a Mental Health Employment Liaison Worker. This worker acts as a helpful bridge between you, your line manager, and your NHS healthcare team. The aim is to create an open space where practical adjustments can be discussed, helping you feel more confident, supported, and valued in your role.

Run by the University of Birmingham alongside the University of Warwick and the mental health charity Mind, the trial is checking whether this service is easy to deliver and truly helpful. By learning from the experiences of real workers and managers, the team hopes to develop better ways to keep people healthy, happy, and thriving at work.

Key takeaways

  • Tests a specialist worker who connects employees, managers, and NHS care teams.
  • Aims to help people with mental health conditions stay well and supported at work.
  • Involves one-to-one meetings as well as joint sessions with your line manager.
  • Lasts three months, delivered either straight away or after a three-month waiting period.
  • Does not alter your usual NHS medical treatments or prescriptions.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to working adults aged 18 and older who have a formal mental health diagnosis and are currently receiving care or treatment from the NHS. You need to be working right now, fluent in English, and comfortable taking part in joint sessions alongside your line manager.

The trial is not suitable for people who are currently in an acute mental health crisis, as defined by their care team. It is also not open to anyone who has been on extended sick leave for more than four weeks, anyone planning to retire in the next 10 months, or anyone already getting support from an Individual Placement and Support (IPS) worker.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

  1. Are you aged 18 or over?
  2. Do you have a diagnosed mental health condition and receive care through the NHS?
  3. Are you currently in work and not on sick leave for longer than four weeks?
  4. Are you willing to attend joint sessions with your line manager?
  5. Can you comfortably read and speak English?
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part starts with a short online questionnaire to confirm the study is suitable for you. If it is, a computer will randomly place you into one of two groups. One group receives the liaison support immediately, while the other group waits three months before receiving the exact same service. No medication is tested, and your regular medical care will not change.

The programme lasts for three months and includes up to ten 1-hour sessions, held either in person or online. You will have three private sessions with the specialist, and four joint sessions together with your manager. Your manager will also have separate sessions. You will be asked to fill in surveys at the start and end of the three months. You may also be invited to a 45-to-90-minute interview to share your thoughts on how the programme worked for you.

Potential risks and benefits

You may benefit from improved support at work, better communication with your manager, and helpful tools to manage workplace stress. The study involves no physical risks. However, talking about your health or job difficulties might occasionally bring up sensitive or upsetting feelings. You are never forced to answer any questions you do not like, and you can take a break whenever you need to. Joining is entirely your choice, and you can withdraw at any time without affecting your NHS care or your employment rights.

Locations (23)

  • Perfect Home
    Approximate
    Birmingham, England
  • Pathfinder Schools
    City only
    Northampton, England
  • CCM Group Ltd
    City only
    Nottingham, England
  • Mice and Dice Ltd
    City only
    Newcastle, England
  • tna Europe
    Approximate
    Birmingham, England
  • Birmingham City Council
    Unverified
    Birmingham, England
  • The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Foundation Trust
    Unverified
    Wolverhampton NO COUNTRY SPECIFIED, assuming England, England
  • Leicester City Football Club
    Unverified
    Leicester, England
  • University of Warwick
    Unverified
    Coventry, England
  • D2N2 Local enterprise partnership
    Unverified
    Nottingham, England
  • NTT UK Ltd
    Unverified
    Lichfield, England
  • Conference Care
    Unverified
    Leicester, England

Common questions

Do I have to pay to take part in this study?

No. Taking part is completely free.

Will my confidential medical records be shown to my manager?

No. Your private NHS medical notes are never shared without your permission. The meetings focus on practical work solutions and communication, not private clinical files.

Will my current NHS treatment stop or change?

No. Your normal NHS appointments, therapy, and prescriptions will carry on just as before.

What happens if I am placed in the delayed group?

You will wait three months to provide a comparison for the study, after which you will be offered the exact same support sessions with the specialist worker.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes. You are free to stop taking part at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your NHS treatment or your job.

How to find out more

Steven Marwaha

s.marwaha@bham.ac.uk +44 (0)1214143665 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.

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