RecruitingInterventional

A peer support programme to help adults with psychosis talk about mental health and reduce stigma

This study is testing a new programme called 'Let's Talk' designed to help adults who experience psychosis. Often, people with psychosis feel misunderstood or ashamed, which can make them feel worse. 'Let's Talk' uses trained Peer Support Workers, who also have lived experience of psychosis, to meet with participants. They talk about mental health and how to share these experiences with others, aiming to reduce feelings of shame and improve overall wellbeing. The study wants to see if 'Let's Talk' can significantly help people in their recovery journey. If successful, this programme could become a standard part of NHS mental health services. It's an important step towards better support for people with psychosis.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

352

Start

01 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

31 May 2027

Schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders

What is this study about?

When someone experiences psychosis, they might sometimes face unkindness or discrimination, which can make them feel bad about themselves. This feeling, often called 'internalised stigma', can lead to low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and even make people withdraw from friends, family, work, or education. It's a real challenge for many.

Researchers have developed a programme called 'Let's Talk' to help people with psychosis feel less affected by these feelings of shame. This programme involves Peer Support Workers – people who have also experienced psychosis themselves – meeting with participants. They talk about how to deal with stigma and how to decide if, when, and how to discuss their mental health with others. A smaller trial showed that people were keen to take part and found the sessions helpful.

This new, larger study aims to understand even better how 'Let's Talk' can improve the personal wellbeing of people with psychosis. By including more participants and using more detailed research methods, the study hopes to pinpoint the most helpful parts of the programme. If it proves to be effective, 'Let's Talk' could be introduced into NHS mental health services across the country, offering valuable support to many.

Key takeaways

Tests 'Let's Talk', a new peer support programme for psychosis.
Aims to reduce feelings of stigma and improve wellbeing.
Uses Peer Support Workers who have lived experience of psychosis.
Compares 'Let's Talk' plus usual care, to usual care alone.
Could lead to better NHS mental health services.
Involves questionnaires and meetings over 12 months.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 16 or older from four specific areas in the UK. You might be eligible if you have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or another related psychotic disorder, or if you are already receiving care for psychosis from NHS services like an Early Intervention Team.

It's important that you also feel quite distressed about talking about your mental health (this is called 'disclosure distress') and have feelings of shame or stigma related to your condition. The study team will help check if you meet these specific criteria.

However, some people might not be able to join. For example, if your psychotic symptoms are mainly due to alcohol or drug problems, if you have a moderate to severe learning disability, or if you currently have an immediate risk to yourself or others. You also need to be able to sign a consent form and be willing to take part in peer support. The study cannot provide interpreters, so you need to be able to understand and communicate in English.

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 16 years old or older?
Do you have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or a related psychotic disorder, or are you receiving care for psychosis from NHS services?
Do you feel quite distressed about talking openly about your mental health?
Do you sometimes experience feelings of shame or stigma related to your mental health condition?
Are you able to speak and understand English and sign a consent form?
Are you willing to meet with a peer support worker?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll first meet with a research assistant. They will ask you to fill out several questionnaires about your wellbeing and experiences. After this, you'll be put into one of two groups by chance, like flipping a coin. Half of the participants will receive the 'Let's Talk' programme along with their usual mental health care. The other half will continue with their usual mental health care only.

If you're in the 'Let's Talk' group, you'll meet with a Peer Support Worker over 16 weeks. Together, you'll work through an 8-module workbook. Throughout the study, whether you're in the 'Let's Talk' group or not, you'll meet with the research assistant again at 4 months and 12 months after starting, to complete the same set of questionnaires again. This helps the researchers see how things might have changed over time.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is that if the 'Let's Talk' programme is found to be helpful, it could improve future mental health services for people experiencing psychosis. Your participation could contribute to a better understanding of how best to support people. On the other hand, a possible risk is that answering some of the questions in the assessments might feel distressing or bring up difficult feelings. The research team understands this and will offer options like breaks during assessments or spreading them out over multiple days to make it easier. Remember, you can also leave the study at any time if you change your mind.

Locations (4)

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Manchester, United Kingdom
Bethlem Royal Hospital
Approximate
Beckenham, United Kingdom
North East London NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Rainham, United Kingdom
Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
City only
Bath, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'psychosis'?

Psychosis is a mental health condition where a person might interpret reality differently from others, sometimes involving hearing or seeing things that aren't there (hallucinations) or having strong beliefs not based on reality (delusions).

What is 'peer support'?

Peer support involves people with shared experiences supporting each other. In this study, Peer Support Workers have personal experience of psychosis and are trained to help others going through similar challenges.

Will I have to stop my current medication or treatment?

No, you will continue to receive your usual mental health treatment. This study adds the 'Let's Talk' programme on top of your existing care for some participants.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You will be involved in the study for about 12 months, with assessment meetings at the start, 4 months, and 12 months.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), a major health research funder in the UK.

How to find out more

Melissa Pyle

melissa.pyle@gmmh.nhs.uk +44 (0)161 271 0084 Official trial record

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