Category: Mental Health

Digital peer support interventions for people with mental health conditions in outpatient settings

A systematic review and meta-analysis

Source: Croke S. BMJ Mental Health 2026;29(1):1-8.

Studies evaluated digital peer support via online platforms, mobile apps or digital communities for people aged ≥16 years with mental health conditions. Digital peer support offers modest improvements in symptoms and functioning for individuals with mental health conditions and may be considered as an adjunct to usual care to enhance engagement and provide accessible support between clinical contacts.

Read the full article here: Digital peer support interventions for people with mental health conditions in outpatient settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis | BMJ Mental Health

Making Every Contact Count

The most recent Make Every Contact count public heath bulletin looking at latest evidence around smoking cessation, alcohol, healthy weight, healthy eating and physical exercise is now available. The bulletin is produced by Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS FT Library staff. If you cannot access any of the articles included in the bulletin please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

Smoking Cessation

Smoking Cessation Jan 2026Download

Alcohol

Alcohol Jan 2026Download

Healthy Weight

Healthy Weight Jan 2026Download

Healthy Eating

Healthy Eating Jan 2026Download

Physical Activity


Physical Activity Jan 2026Download

Learning Disabilities & Autism Bulletin

The latest Learning Disabilities and Autism bulletin from the Evidently Better team at Mersey Care NHS FT is now available.

In this edition:

  • Exploring recovery from anorexia in autistic adults: a qualitative study
  • Person-Centered: The Impact of People with IDD Choosing Their Goals on Their Quality of Life Outcomes
  • Increased Dementia Risk in Higher-Functioning Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Insights from 21,648 Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Down Syndrome Act 2022 guidance: call for evidence (easy read and BSL)
  • The Mental Health Act 2025 summarised
  • Revised guidance on restrictive interventions in schools – CBF Statement

If you are unable to access any of the included articles please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

LD_14Jan26Download

Perinatal Mental Health Bulletin

With thanks to our colleagues at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation trust the latest Perinatal Mental Health bulletin is now available to view and download. Some articles are freely accessible, others require an Open Athens account.

Please get in touch for support with this: academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

Perinatal-Mental-Health-Bulletin-December-2025Download

Suicide Prevention and Self Harm Bulletin

The latest Suicide Prevention and Self Harm Bulletin produced by the Mersey Care Evidently Better team is now available.

In this issue:

  • Suicidal Behavior in Alzheimer’s Disease: Preliminary Study
  • Gender Identity, Victimization, and Suicidal Ideation: Comparing Risk Factors Among
  • Transgender and Non‐Transgender Youth
  • Learning disabilities and adolescent suicidal ideation: Findings from the z-proso cohort study
  • Self-harm before and during imprisonment: cohort study of males in prison linking population based routinely collected data in Wales

If you are unable to access any of the included articles please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

SP_8jan26Download

Supporting partnership working in local communities

Strong partnership working is essential for improving health and wellbeing, especially when challenges are complex and cross organisational boundaries.

A new 2025 report from The Kings Fund shares learning from the Healthy Communities Together programme. Drawing on real experience of setting up and running the programme, the report offers practical insight into what helps partnerships work well at a local level.

Key themes include the importance of trust, shared purpose and clear relationships, as well as the time and support needed to build partnerships that feel meaningful rather than transactional. The learning is particularly relevant for those working across health, local government, voluntary sector and community organisations, where collaboration is central to tackling health inequalities.

This report provides useful guidance for anyone involved in developing or supporting partnership working and offers realistic reflections on both the opportunities and the challenges involved.

The full report is freely available online: How To Support Partnership Working | The King’s Fund

Depression & Anxiety Bulletin

The current bulletin for Depression & Anxiety, produced by Merseycare NHS Foundation Trust, is now available to view and download. 

In this edition:

  • Youth Matters: A new national strategy and a critical moment for young people’s mental health
  • Mental health services in the UK in 2025: what the latest NHS Benchmarking survey tells us
  • Mental health support in prisons must recognise the impact of childhood trauma, says Centre for Mental Health
  • Third of UK citizens have used AI for emotional support, research reveals

For support accessing any of the articles within the bulletin please contact: academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk

depr_anx_bulletin_6jan26Download

A healthier future for reducing alcohol harm in the UK

The Institute of Alcohol Studies has published a new vision for tackling alcohol harm across the country. Created by a wide group of experts in policy, research and treatment, the document sets out a clear and hopeful path for long term progress.

The vision looks at how the UK can create safer communities, strengthen prevention, improve treatment pathways, and reduce the serious health impacts linked to alcohol use. It brings together evidence, lived experience and practical recommendations that can help guide national and local action in the years ahead.

For anyone working in public health, mental health, community safety or addiction services, the report offers valuable insight into the changes that could support a healthier and more resilient future.

Read more: IAS-Long-term-vision-for-alcohol-harm.pdf

Healthcare partnership trials quit smoking app to support mental health

A new pilot programme in the North East and Yorkshire is offering patients at acute and mental health trusts access to a digital app designed to help people quit smoking.

Participants receive free access to the Smoke Free app, which provides tools, guidance and personalised encouragement to support people on their stop smoking journey. The pilot is being delivered through a collaboration involving Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria, Health Innovation Yorkshire and Humber, and NHS England for the region.

Smoking rates remain higher among people living with mental health conditions, and digital support tools like this may offer an accessible way to improve long term health and wellbeing.

Read more: Healthcare partnership trials use of quit smoking app | UKAuthority