Working in partnership

Our partnerships improve research and services

At Essex our mission is to work in partnership with health and social care sectors to promote two-way knowledge exchange and ensure research best serves the needs of the services and the populations they support through co-production of knowledge.

We work closely with Essex County Council as well as local third sector organisations including Provide, Healthwatch Essex, Community Voluntary Services as well as several NHS Trusts and Integrated Care Boards across the East of England.

Our Centre for Coastal Communities is a partnership with Tendring District Council while our mental health research stakeholder group is a regular forum for a wide range of community stakeholders to meet with our mental health experts and co-design research based on key local priorities and challenges. We have also established a Psychological Research Unit for Behaviour, Health and Wellbeing in partnership with East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT).

Case study: Essex ESNEFT Psychological Research Unit for Behaviour Health and Wellbeing (EEPRU)

Established in 2022, EEPRU is co-directed by the Department of Psychology at the University of Essex and ESNEFT Research and Development Section. Its mission is to undertake psychological research for patient and public benefit that advances understanding of the prevention, and management of ill health and the promotion of positive public health and wellbeing. Researchers training and working in EEPRU develop enhanced skills in co-production and collaboration with health care professionals.

EEPRU students are currently working with a consultant paediatrician at ESNEFT, alongside Essex Babylab, investigating biomarkers for atypical sensory responsiveness such as that observed in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. By unravelling the trajectory of sensory responsiveness, it might be possible to help diagnose autism at an early age and inform interventions that will promote lifelong improved wellbeing. EEPRU students are also working with a consultant in nephrology to promote outcomes in chronic kidney disease; and a consultant in rheumatology to understand how interactions with the people they live with influence health and wellbeing in people with arthritis.

Further case studies

• Charity "School Food Matters" has helped tackle rising levels of childhood obesity thanks to our work on free school meals.
• Prostate Cancer UK is realising its dream of revolutionising treatment with the help of our expertise.
• British Army mental health practitioners better understand PTSD in veterans after watching our documentary.
• The Babel Day Centre in Greece is helping refugees rebuild their lives using an Essex-developed therapeutic approach.
• Lawyers and judges have been trained by Essex experts in autonomy.
• The United Nations Population Fund has helped deliver better access to sexual and reproductive healthcare.