CompletedInterventional

Impact of receiving recorded mental health recovery narratives on quality of life in people experiencing non-psychosis mental health problems (NEON-O Trial)

Living with mental health challenges can often feel isolating, but learning how others have navigated similar struggles can bring comfort and hope. The NEON-O trial is exploring whether exploring personal recovery stories online can improve wellbeing and quality of life. Participants are randomly placed into one of two groups. One group receives immediate access to a secure website filled with hundreds of recorded real-life recovery stories in text, audio, and video formats. The other group is granted access after a one-year waiting period. You can browse and use the site as much or as little as you like from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Over the course of 12 months, you will simply complete four online surveys about your feelings and wellbeing. You do not need a formal diagnosis or a doctor's referral to take part in this fully remote study.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

994

Start

09 Mar 2020

Estimated completion

26 Mar 2021

Mental health

What is this study about?

Recovery narratives are personal stories shared by people who have lived through mental health difficulties. These accounts describe their challenges, what helped them cope, and how they found meaning and hope. The NEON-O study wants to see if accessing a large, diverse collection of these recorded stories online can make a positive difference to everyday life, wellbeing, and feelings of hope.

Researchers already know that sharing stories can be helpful for people recovering from psychosis. This trial aims to find out if the same benefits apply to a wider group of people experiencing other mental health difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or general emotional distress. By testing this with hundreds of people, the study team hopes to learn whether personal stories can become a recognized, accessible support tool across the NHS.

The entire study is completed online from home, meaning you do not have to travel to hospitals or clinics. By taking part, you help researchers understand how digital resources can support mental health care across the UK in the future.

Key takeaways

Tests whether exploring real-life mental health recovery stories online improves wellbeing and quality of life.
Completely online and free to join for adults in England with recent mental health distress.
No formal medical diagnosis or doctor referral is required to take part.
Participants are randomly assigned to get access immediately or after a 12-month wait.
Involves filling out four short online surveys over the course of one year.
Participation is voluntary, and you can leave the study at any time without affecting your normal care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to anyone aged 18 or older living in England who has experienced a mental health problem in the last five years and has felt mental health distress within the past six months. You must be comfortable reading and understanding English, and you need reliable access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer connected to the internet.

You do not need a formal medical diagnosis from a doctor to take part. The study welcomes people who have never seen a doctor about their mental health, as well as those who prefer not to use diagnostic labels.

You cannot join this specific study if you have experienced psychosis, or if you have already taken part in the main NEON trial (which was designed specifically for people with psychosis).

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.

I am aged 18 or older and live in England.
I have experienced mental health difficulties in the past five years.
I have felt distress related to my mental health in the last six months.
I have not experienced psychosis (a condition involving hallucinations or delusions).
I have access to the internet via a phone, tablet, or computer.
I can read and understand English well enough to complete online surveys.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in the NEON-O trial takes place entirely online over a 12-month period. There are no clinic visits, blood tests, or changes to any current medications or treatments you receive.

Once you agree to join, a computer program will randomly place you into one of two groups. One group gets immediate access to the NEON website to explore stories whenever they wish. The other group will wait 12 months before getting access to the website. Both groups are equally important for fair scientific results.

Over the year, you will be asked to fill in an online survey on four separate occasions to share how you are feeling. Your website activity will be recorded automatically, and you might also be invited to an optional online interview to talk about your thoughts on the project.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part offers the chance to explore hundreds of real, inspiring stories and helps shape future NHS mental health support. Many people find these stories help them feel less alone and more hopeful about their future. However, some stories describe tough times, distress, or self-harm, which can occasionally feel upsetting or triggering to read or hear. Any emotional distress is usually short-lived, but support contacts are provided. You are completely free to stop using the site or leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and doing so will never affect your regular NHS healthcare.

Locations (12)

Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Nottingham, England
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Approximate
Worthing, England
Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Approximate
Lincoln, England
East London NHS Foundation Trust
Approximate
London, England
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Beckenham, England
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Derby, England
Devon Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Exeter, England
North East London NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Rainham, England
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Oxford, England
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
Unverified
Leicester, England
Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Bodmin, England
Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Bridgwater, England

Common questions

Do I need a doctor's diagnosis to take part?

No. You do not need any formal diagnosis, and you do not need to be receiving NHS treatment. If you have experienced distress related to your mental health, you are welcome to apply.

Will I have to travel to an NHS hospital or clinic?

No. The entire study is run online. You can complete all surveys and browse the stories from the comfort of your own home using a computer, tablet, or phone.

Can I continue seeing my regular doctor or therapist?

Yes. Taking part in this study will not interfere with any care, therapy, or medication you currently receive from your GP or mental health team.

What happens if I am placed in the delayed group?

If you are in the delayed group, you will fill out the surveys over the course of the year without using the website. Once your 12 months are complete, you will receive full access to the stories.

What should I do if a story makes me feel upset?

You can close the website at any time. The study platform includes links and telephone numbers for immediate mental health support services if you ever feel overwhelmed.

How to find out more

Stefan Rennick-Egglestone

stefan.egglestone@nottingham.ac.uk +44 (0)115 82 30926 Official trial record

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