Lisa Huddlestone, Research Fellow, Department of Health Sciences
Lisa is a Research Fellow in the Mental Health and Addiction Research Group (MHARG).
Lisa’s research focuses on developing and evaluating complex healthcare interventions, in particular those using digital technologies. She is the recipient of an NIHR Development and Skills Enhancement award for 2024 which is supported by Professor Lina Gega and is in partnership with IMRY.
email: lisa.huddlestone@york.ac.uk
Our 60-second interview with Lisa:
Could you please tell us what work you do in the field of mental health?
During my DSE award, I will explore immersive technologies and their application to mental health promotion, with a focus on vulnerable youth populations as well as gaining skills and knowledge in the development and evaluation of digital innovation for mental health. I will also build partnerships and participate in knowledge transfer activities to extend this work through a fellowship and other projects.
What do you find most rewarding and inspiring in this work?
The most rewarding aspect is having the opportunity to work with children and young people in out-of-home care, learning from them, and hopefully contributing to their improved mental wellbeing.
What is the most challenging or complicated aspect of this work?
One of the greatest challenges is the lack of literature on developing and implementing digital mental health interventions for children and young people in out-of-home care. However, it is both exciting and rewarding to be an early contributor to the evidence base.
What impact do you hope your work is having - or can potentially have?
I hope that my work will lead to mental well-being support available to children and young people in out-of-home care being more accessible and equitable. In developing meaningful interventions that consider the needs and life circumstances of this population, I hope to improve uptake and engagement, which will contribute to mental and physical well-being across the lifespan.
Could you share with us one piece of advice that you follow for your own mental health?
I think it is important to make time for yourself and do things that you enjoy, even if it is only for a short while. Going for a walk, reading a few pages of a book, or baking always makes me feel better when things are stressful.