Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

INcreasing Adolescent Social and Community SupporT - Pilot

The INACT study (INcreasing Adolescent Social and Community SupporT) aims to help young people aged 9 to 13 who are experiencing loneliness. It explores a new way of providing support directly through schools, rather than through doctor's surgeries, which can sometimes be harder for young people to access. This study will involve 78 pupils from 12 schools in England, who will either receive information about local support or take part in a social prescribing program. This program involves up to six sessions with a Link Worker who will help them find activities and groups that match their interests and needs. The study will look at how well this program works and if both young people and schools find it helpful, to decide if a larger study should be done in the future to help even more young people.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University College, London

Enrolment target

Start

12 Nov 2024

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2025

Loneliness

What is this study about?

Many young people feel lonely sometimes, and finding the right support can be tricky. This study, called INACT, is looking at a new way to help reduce loneliness in young people aged 9 to 13. While similar programs have helped adults connect with community support, it hasn't been as commonly used with younger people. This might be because young people don't always visit their doctor for help with their feelings, and most support programs usually start there.

The INACT study is trying a different approach by offering support directly through schools. The main idea is to see if working with schools makes it easier for young people to get the help they need. This study will recruit 78 pupils from primary and secondary schools in England who have said they feel lonely. Some will get basic information about support, while others will have up to six meetings with a special 'Link Worker'. This Link Worker will talk to them about what's important to them and help them find local activities, clubs, or groups they might enjoy, linking them to their community.

Over the course of the study, researchers will check how well this program works, how many young people join, and if they stick with it. They will also talk to young people and school staff to get their opinions. This information will help them understand if this way of offering support is useful and if a bigger, longer-term study should be done in the future to help even more young people feel less lonely and improve their overall well-being.

Key takeaways

This study helps 9-13 year olds who feel lonely find community support.
It tests a new way to provide support through schools.
Young people will either get information or work with a 'Link Worker' to find activities.
The study aims to see if this approach is helpful and if a bigger study should be done.
Participation involves questionnaires and potentially up to six sessions with a Link Worker over six months.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young people who go to certain schools that are taking part in the study. To join, you should be in Year 4, 5, 7, or 8 and be between 9 and 13 years old.

Your parents or guardians will need to give their permission for you to take part, and you will also need to agree to join. You'll also be asked some questions about how you're feeling, and if your answers suggest you're experiencing loneliness, you might be suitable for the study.

However, this study is not for children attending private schools, or those with severe learning disabilities. It's important that this study is a good fit for everyone involved.

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.

Are you between 9 and 13 years old?
Are you in Year 4, 5, 7, or 8 at a school taking part in the study?
Do your parents or guardians agree for you to take part?
Do you sometimes feel lonely?
Do you not have a severe learning disability?
Do you attend a state school (not a private one)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are invited to take part in this study, you will first answer some questions about your feelings to see if you meet the study requirements. If you do, you will then be randomly chosen to be in one of two groups. One group will receive information from school staff about local support options. The other group will work with a 'Link Worker' for up to six sessions. These sessions will involve talking about your interests and connecting you with local activities or groups that suit you.

You will be asked to complete questionnaires at the start of the study, and then again after three months and six months, to see how you are doing. The total time you'd be involved in the study from start to finish would be around six months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may help you feel less lonely and improve your overall well-being by connecting you with groups and activities in your community. Even if you don't receive direct support from a Link Worker, you'll still get information about local help. There aren't many known risks, as the activities suggested are usually safe and enjoyable community groups. All your information will be kept private and confidential. You are free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care or relationship with your school.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University College London
Unverified
Greater London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is social prescribing?

Social prescribing is a way for you to find local activities, groups, or services that can help you feel better and connect with others, depending on what you like.

Who is a Link Worker?

A Link Worker is a supportive person who will talk to you about your interests and help you find suitable activities or groups in your local area.

Will I have to take any medicine in this study?

No, this study does not involve any medication. It focuses on connecting you with community activities and support.

What happens if I don't want to continue?

You are free to stop taking part in the study at any time, for any reason. Just let your school or the study team know.

Will my parents know everything?

Your parents will give permission for you to join. Information you share will be kept confidential, but if you said something that suggested you or someone else was unsafe, the adults would have to share that to keep everyone safe.