The workshop was part of an event hosted by Professor Gavin Davidson (QUB) and included visiting scholar, Professor Darryl Maybery (Monash University, Melbourne), who is carrying out a comprehensive international Delphi study on outcomes in PMI. The whole event was highly interactive with over 40 experts in the area of PMI in attendance. This provided the perfect opportunity to deliver the second workshop in the ‘Parental Mental Illness research and practice: Exploring a joint pathway forward’ series, supported by the Queen’s University Belfast Engaged Research Seed Fund.

The first workshop, held last September, brought together a diverse group of participants, including academics, practitioners, and individuals with lived experiences. Building on the foundations laid during that initial gathering, the second workshop engaged the attendees who included practitioners from the five Health and Social Care Trusts and various third sector organizations across Northern Ireland.

The overarching aim of these workshops is to foster a collaborative environment where good practices can be shared, and challenge areas can be identified. By doing so, the workshops sought to pinpoint key priorities that will shape the future landscape of research in the field of PMI. During the first workshop, information was drawn together from discussion groups. This data was analysed, collated and subsequently prepared for further consultation, ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders were central.

The primary objective of this second workshop was to confirm and expand on the issues identified previously, and to narrow down the priority areas for future research. To achieve this, an innovative and interactive approach was adopted. Discussion topics and key questions were based upon the outcomes of workshop one, with participants encouraged to share their comments, thoughts, and answers using a Mentimeter to facilitate real-time engagement and feedback. This resulted in stimulating rich discussions and generating insightful contributions from all attendees.

The workshops represent a significant step forward in addressing the complex and multifaceted challenges associated with parental mental illness. By bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, these events ensure that the research priorities identified are both relevant and impactful. The collaborative approach adopted throughout these sessions underscores the importance of inclusivity and the value of diverse perspectives in shaping effective research agendas.

Dr Emma Loudon commented:

“Myself and colleagues at QCAP are keen to continue to drive this important initiative forward, and engaging with expert voices is key to this. The outcomes of these workshops will undoubtedly play a crucial role in informing future research and interventions. By focusing on the areas of greatest need, they are paving the way for meaningful advancements that will ultimately benefit families and communities across Northern Ireland.”

For more information and to get involved please contact Dr Loudon at e.loudon@qub.ac.uk.