Examining how guidance for mental health professionals working with LGBTQ+ people is put in to place
Introduction
Research Area:
Adult Mental Health/ CAMHS/ LGBTQ+/ Mental Health/ Primary Care/ Service Improvement
What is the research about?
This research aims to improve our understanding of how guidance for mental health professionals is put in to place and its impact on LGBTQ+ service users. We hope to understand some of the barriers and facilitators which impact on the guidance use. This research would also like to inform clinical practice and policy guidance to decrease barriers and negative experiences of LGBTQ+ people accessing mental health services.
Who is this opportunity for?
We hope to form a panel consisting of 4 members. We are looking for individuals aged over 18 years old, who are part of the LGBTQ+ community and have experience of accessing mental health services.
What will PPI contributors do?
PPI contributors will contribute to this research when attending consultation meetings (two – three per year) or by email/post/call or text requests if unable to attend. Views and contributions will be sought from PPI contributors in terms of:
– Guidance and advice on the recruitment of participants for a qualitative interview study,
– Supporting the development of the interview focus for the qualitative interview study,
– Supporting in the analysis focus of qualitative interview study results,
– Providing feedback and helping shape priorities for the production of guidelines and recommendations based on the results from the study
Additionally, PPI contributors can expect:
– A space to work collaboratively and respectfully to help better our understanding on barriers and facilitators of the LGBTQ+ community accessing mental health services
– Receive training in aspects of conducting research in mental health and being involved in PPI consultation
Opportunity for:
Involvement Opportunity Details
Time
Time commitment:
1 - 2 hours
Contact between meetings:
It is hoped that all needed contact will be within the meetings. However, there may be a small amount of contact in between if there is clarification on a question needed.
Length of involvement:
2 years
Start date for involvement:
20/07/2026
Logistics
Where?
If online, explain how:
Zoom meetings for accessibility purpose, as it is acknowledged that not all individuals may be based in the same area. In person and online meeting options will be provided in accordance with the Panel’s preference. We will ensure all meeting locations (both online and in person) are accessible for all members. If you are unfamiliar with online platforms, our research lead, Lauren Ryan McGuirk, can explain how to do so prior to any meeting. We will host the online meetings in Zoom.
If in person, explain where:
If all individuals are within a close geographical area, in-person meetings can be facilitated. This would be held in the School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Newman Building, Belfield, Dublin 4. Other venues outside of Dublin may be suggested depending on location of participants' recruited.
Other ways of communicating:
We can communicate through Text messages/Phone calls/Whatsapp / We can contact you via phone in between meetings if you would prefer this to email.
Funding available for:
If no funding available, explain why:
Not applicable
Other Information
Stage of the research study/ programme:
Funded but not yet started
Is this opportunity for PPI in a PhD:
Yes
Closing date to contact researchers:
20/07/2026
Research Team
Contact person:
Lauren.ryanmcguirk@ucdconnect.ie
University/organisation:
UCD
Contact email:
lauren.ryanmcguirk@ucdconnect.ie
Researcher background:
Psychologist in Clinical Training
Research funder:
The lead researcher is currently completing a Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology/ The PPI contribution payment will be paid from UCD School of Psychology Research fund/ which is partially funded by the HSE Dublin and North East Region. This research is completed in fulfilment of this doctoral programme. However
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Interested in this PPI Opportunity?
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