Sign in

The McPin Foundation

@mcpinfoundation.bsky.social
885 followers 1.6K following 225 posts

We aim to improve #MentalHealth by championing expertise by experience involvement in all stages of research. RT ≠ endorsement. #MentalHealthResearchMatters Visit our LinkTree to access our website, other socials, news and more. linktr.ee/mcpin_fo

PostsRepliesMedia
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Our Public Involvement in Research Coordinator Gillian will be at the NIHR School for Public Health Research webinar doing a creative workshop on how the 12 principles of the Charter for Public Involvement & Engagement have been brought to life. Sign up here to join in! 👉 ow.ly/TKPy50ZRmvZ
Spin the charter workshop. Join us at the SPHR PMH Autumn webinar: School-based mental health interventions. Monday 5th October 11.30am
010
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
How can we validate young people’s mental health experiences meaningfully? Validation can make or break trust in a clinical setting, but it's surprisingly easy to get wrong. In today's blog @rachelred94.bsky.social shares some advice on what to do (and what not to!) 👉 mcpin.org/how-to-valid...
When you are invalidated it can feel like you are on trial because the professional is the gatekeeper between you and the support that you need.
002
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Collaboration, autonomy, mutual respect: what does agency look like for young people accessing mental health services? Find out in our new videos for the Agency project with @mcpinypnetwork.bsky.social 👉 mcpin.org/agency-videos/
020
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
It's not just screen time that needs regulating for youth mh but algorithms too. A new policy briefing from the Impact of Social Media Algorithms project shares 5 recommendations for supporting young people’s wellbeing online. Find out more 👉 mcpin.org/algorithms-r... @mcpinypnetwork.bsky.social
Protecting adolescent mental health requires regulating algorithms, not just screen time
010
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Hear soundbites from Research and Involvement Manager Hannah as she shares her journey from academia to the charity sector and discusses why success can come in unexpected forms. Listen to part 2 and 3 in the thread and read Hannah's full blog here mcpin.org/look-mum-i-m... #Research #Careers
111
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
This youth mental health day, one way to help build future you is by getting involved in research as a young person. Develop skills & confidence & work alongside peers w lived experience. Hear more about youth involvement work & paths into research from our @mcpinypnetwork.bsky.social team here! 👇
011
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Who's at the EPA Section of Epidemiology & Social Psychiatry Congress in Brescia this week? We're presenting on 'Bridging Divides: Working with Young People to Coproduce a Better Understanding of Gender Inequalities in Youth Mental Health in UK & Japan'. Come say hi! 👋 @mcpinypnetwork.bsky.social
We're at EPA Brescia 2026 this week. Come hear about youth involvement, mental health and sexism from the Bridging Divides project team. Symposium 32, Fri 18th Sept, 4-5.30pm
010
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
What is peer research? At McPin it's key to our work - but can be complex & hard to define. So, whether you're new to peer research, or wanting to go deeper into what it is, why we use it & why it’s so valuable, today's blog is a great place to start! Check it out here 👉 mcpin.org/peer-research/
At McPin one of the ways we embed lived experience involvement in research is peer research - but what does it actually mean?
011
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
New Blog: How creative communications helped give the Charter – 12 principles for Public Involvement and Engagement, a life beyond the page. Hear from the McPin team about what they learnt whilst creating an interactive learning tool. ow.ly/f9GC50ZLwwV
Owl in the middle of a wheel with segments and one segment highlighted
000
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Our new paper explores how research into subjective experiences of depression, anxiety & psychosis is conducted & valued within mental health research. Hear about challenges to conducting this kind of work, with a 2nd paper on facilitators coming soon 👉 www.mcpin.org/sunrise-talking-point/
Research into subjective experiences - what are the challenges? Our talking point series dives deeper into our project work. The latest, on the SUN RISE project, looks at subjective experiences of mental health.
000
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Our preview showcases the freely available online training workshop where you will learn about the Charter, best practice for fully embedding PI&E into research, and the Spin the Charter tool. Take part in the training and learn more about the Charter principles here 👇 ow.ly/LbKi50ZKnvi
000
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
New: Spin the Charter Online Workshop Take a look at a new online training workshop for those looking to embed or understand public involvement and engagement (PI&E) in research. ow.ly/QSFE50ZIaVS Presented and co-designed by the McPin Foundation in partnership with the NIHR SPHR.
000
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
We are looking for a Senior Communications Manager to lead our communications function at an exciting point in our growth. This strategic, hands-on role suits someone with excellent communications skills and strategic leadership and communications experience. Apply: ow.ly/CZ2Q50ZHMjc
000
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Read our latest blog - "Look Mum, I made it": Redefining success beyond academia. Research and Involvement Manager Hannah shares her journey from academia to the charity sector, and why success can come in unexpected forms. ow.ly/L6s450ZG3kO
020
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
In our new blog series, we validating young people's mental health experiences. Our first blog focuses on what validation is, why it is important, and introduces the Agency projects. ow.ly/Twla50ZyRSU #Agency #Validation McPin Young People's Network
000
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
One question that comes up a lot for researchers working with young people is: 'How do you find young people who don’t already have an interest in mental health research?' In today's blog Eva shares what she's learnt from her work. Read it here 👉 www.mcpin.org/school-outreach-youth-engagement/
What school outreach has taught me about youth engagement - senior peer researcher and public involvement officer eva shares what she's learnt from bringing mental health research to school children
000
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
We’re excited to be a part of the new paper: ‘Adolescents' Experiences of Social Media Content Types and Wellbeing’. looking at exploring young people's experiences of social media content recommended to them by algorithms and what this means for wellbeing. Paper: ow.ly/wTTL50Zt8rF
231
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Great to see this report out from colleagues at University of Nottingham and with Habitus Collective UK exploring the experiences of 53 peer researchers around the world. The report includes ‘A Peer Researcher Reflection’ from Raj Hazzard. Read the report 👉 - tinyurl.com/2x737eyj #PeerResearch
A series of statistics on who contributed to the report
010
Reposted by The McPin Foundation
McPin Young People's Network @mcpinypnetwork.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
New episode alert 🎧 In the final episode of the B.Life Podcast "The Wrap-Up", we discuss what it looks like to take care of their mental health as young Black people, the importance of focusing self-care for young Black people in this current time period.
111
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Fantastic for our poster to come joint second at #ENMESH2026.  Angela gave her poster presentation speed talk exploring the social models of disability. The poster is based on her yearlong fellowship project funded by the NIHR ARC North Thames as part of the mental health for all programmes.
Woman on left in front of digital poster
010
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
It was great to be part of two great symposiums today There's more: Angela will be presenting ‘Increasing Empowerment Through Exploring Disability Rights Theory’. Poster Walk: From Rights to Recovery: Understanding Stigma, Relapse, and Support in Mental Health. Sat 20th, Poster Screen #1, 12:10
Group of 7 people with lanyards smiling
020
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
We're at ENMESH 2026, with our first presentations/symposiums kicking off Friday. It would be great to have you come along. See programme details: lnkd.in/dZwnYUEr Friday presentations 1st Symposium Saturn Hall #1, 10:30-11:15 2nd Symposium Saturn Hall #2, 14:45-15:45
110
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
We’re at #ENMESH2026 presenting at: Creating a Healthy and Equitable Environment for Lived Experience Researchers Fri 19th, Saturn Hall #1, 10:30 Peer Led Contributions to Innovations in Mental Health Service Evaluations 19th, Saturn Hall #2, 14:45 Poster Walk 20th, Poster Screen #1, 12:10
110
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
A first-of-its-kind tool asking young people about their preferences in therapy is now live! U-PIC aims to help improve outcomes and reduce dropout for young people by aligning their preferences & therapy. Find out more & give it a try here 👉 www.mcpin.org/upic-launch/ @mcpinypnetwork.bsky.social
New tool to help young people share their preferences for therapy launches. The UPIC form helps young people communicate the type of support they want.
011
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
We’re hiring a new Head of Research and Involvement. Our new Head of Research and Involvement will play an important role in leading our growing research and involvement team. Applications now open. Closing: 2nd July. Find out more information and apply here: mcpin.org/about-mcpin/...
000
Reposted by The McPin Foundation
McPin Young People's Network @mcpinypnetwork.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Introducing the B.Life Podcast! A series of podcast episodes recorded last year with the creators of the B.Life Zine (mcpin.org/project/b-li...)
111
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
The government is asking people to share their thoughts on social media & mental health 🗣️ Our YPAG member Lexie shares her experiences in today's blog, including the need for nuance & why a blanket ban probably isn’t the solution. Read it here 👉 www.mcpin.org/growing-up-online-lexie/
When young people don't have access to free public places, digital community doesn't just replace real connection - it actually becomes a valid third space in its own right.
110
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
We are accepting applications to help support the development of an artificial intelligence chatbot as part of the CIRCuiTS programme. We are looking for involvement from those who have lived experience of schizophrenia spectrum or bipolar with a diagnosis. Apply 27th May ow.ly/Eko250Z05uu
101
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
As part of Mental Health Awareness week, we are promoting ways to take action. Listen to the ‘Researchers in the making’ podcast. Hear from McPin’s Gillian Samuel, Senior public involvement research coordinator on her role in the NIHR SPHR public mental health programme. ow.ly/k4BM50YZyyk
000
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
The International Alliance of Mental Health Research Funders has released a new report analysing the global state of mental health research funding. In today's blog we share our thoughts on their findings, and what we’d like to see in future analysis. Read it here 👉 www.mcpin.org/funding-report/
020
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Now live: a report on how research into the subjective experiences of depression, anxiety and psychosis is conducted and valued globally within the mental health research field.  News piece: ow.ly/qVOR50YYSHC Report download: ow.ly/ZpOa50YYSHE
100
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week we are highlighting ways you can take action. YPAG member Usman has reflected on youth experiences online in a blog, with links to how you can participate in the Growing up in the online world national survey tinyurl.com/kmwuz2ym @mcpinypnetwork.bsky.social
mcpin.org
Growing up in an online world - The McPin Foundation
The government wants to hear your thoughts on young people and social media. McPin YPAG member Usman shares their own experiences.
000
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Today is the start of Mental Health Awareness Week. Mental health research is vital for shaping the future of mental health. Sign up to our Involvement Network to receive new opportunities to get involved or take part in research. ow.ly/hVWx50YXxmp #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
000
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
To understand sleep & mental health we need to hear from people who may find lab settings especially challenging and redesign the experience with them. Today's blog shares what a study on this found 👉 www.mcpin.org/redesigning-sleep-study/ @circadianmhnetw.bsky.social @emmacsullivan.bsky.social
To better understand the links between sleep and mental health, we need to make traditional lab settings more accessible, say researchers and young people.
121
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Sign up to this free in person London event 14th May - CAMHRA Public Forum on lived experience in mental health research. McPin are excited to be attending and participating as part of wide range of lived experience voices. ow.ly/W0hO50YT85u #livedexperience
000
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Social media has so many positives AND negatives for young people. In today's blog McPin YPAG member Usman shares their experiences & how it differs from what they see young people dealing with today. Hear their story - and find out how to have your say - here 👉mcpin.org/growing-up-online-usman/
The government wants to hear from you as part of the growing up in an online world consultation
011
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Are you a researcher, PPI lead or facilitator looking to improve your PPI practices? There is still time to book your place on our PPI training course that starts 1st May. Full details in main post. #PPI
011
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
With the London Marathon a few days away, our second fab runner, Leigh, shares why she runs & why she wanted to support mental health research 🏃‍♀️ It's also not too late to support Leigh & mental health research! Read her story & find out how here 👉 www.mcpin.org/london-marathon-2026-leighs-story/
I have a lot to thank running for when it comes to my mental health. Not only does running help me stay fit and healthy but it also allows me to clear my head, feel grounded and reflect on anything bothering me.
010
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Book now - Patient and Public Involvement Training with McPin The four online sessions will give you a strong grounding in PPI and is suitable for researchers in any field, PPI leads and facilitators. See flyer to learn more about the course and book using the link 👇 ow.ly/OvEV50YKmFF
011
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
We’re v excited to share that we have 2 incredible runners fundraising for us in the London Marathon 2026! In today’s Q&A our first runner, Alice, shares her story as well as running benefits & inspiration. Check it out and find out how to support her here 👉 www.mcpin.org/london-marathon-alice/
London Marathon 2026: Alice's story. We have two fab runners in the London Marathon supporting mental health research. Today Alice shares why she runs, the benefits and challenges of training, and why she chose to support us.
000
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Be the first to hear about new and exciting involvement and participation opportunities in mental health research. Take a look at some of the research areas covered from our latest mailout. Sign up so you don’t miss the next one mcpin.org/get-involved/sign-up-to-o…
Man holding laptop bottom right
000
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
We’ve been supporting the lived experience involvement for an exciting new digital tool, to help young people with psychosis, which is now approved for use in clinical settings. Learn more about the research and the PsyMetRiC app in our news piece ow.ly/qu5n50YsNio
011
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
We’re celebrating the 4th anniversary launch of the Shared Commitment to Public Involvement in health and social care research. We’re working in partnership with other leading organisations on this important initiative; to help drive up standards in health and social care research. #SharedCommitment
041
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Share your story 🗣️ Did you grow up in the UK (or UK & Japan) & live in London? Bridging Divides wants to speak to adults age18-24 in a 1hr interview on gender experiences & wellbeing. You'll get a £20 voucher for taking part - pls share with your networks! More info here 👉 tinyurl.com/musm42nx
032
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Tune in to the latest episode of the On the ARC podcast - Carving a New Path: Lived Experience In Research. Cat Morgan interviews McPin's Tanya Mackay, about the power of lived experience involvement in research and her career. Apple: ow.ly/WGYB50YlMGb Spotify ow.ly/GTh650YlMGa
031
Reposted by The McPin Foundation
McPin Young People's Network @mcpinypnetwork.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
1 in 5 young people has a common mental health condition – yet support still too often comes only at crisis point. The #FutureMinds roadmap sets out the changes needed to shift the system towards prevention and early intervention and transform children and young people’s mental health bit.ly/49HOq6S
031
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Great to be part of day 2 of the #AMHDMshowcase. Sharing work from the Agency in practice project. Learn more about the project here mcpin.org/project/agen... @mcpinypnetwork.bsky.social #thisismyplace - As part of Children's Mental Health week
0102
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Yesterday we gathered views from young people partners and researchers at #AMHDMshowcase. Sharing what they would like to see on a new lived experiences collaborative resources platform, funded by UKRI and Wellcome. Great work team! #thisismyplace - As part of Children's Mental Health week
Three people standing within a square cardboard frame
021
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
As part of #AMHDMshowcase today we heard from young person advisory group members in a panel discussion on involvement of young people in research – impacts and lessons learned. This session was chaired by McPin’s research director @vanessapinfold.bsky.social @mcpinypnetwork.bsky.social
Six people seated for panel discussion on stage
064
The McPin Foundation @mcpinfoundation.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
It was great to see the digital youth team to kick off the #AMHDMshowcase today. Chris Hollis, Ellen Townsend and the sprouting mind group of young people explored linking responsible research innovation and youth involvement. #livedexperience
View from audience, slide on responsible research and innovation
171