About Research

As Antara's constitution indicates, research is an integral part of developing effective mental healthcare and planning facilities and services. It can help:

• Indicate the prevalence of mental health problems in the community.
• Reveal specific local risk factors and determinants.
• Highlight particular problems faced by deprived individuals or communities
• Demonstrate means to increase uptake of services and reduce barriers to access.
• Increase the effectiveness of therapy and rehabilitation.
• Test the efficacy of novel or local therapeutic approaches.

Unforunately there is a paucity of evidence on mental health in resource-settings, especially in some of the disadvantaged, remote and rural communities served by Antara. In itself this can worsen health inequalities as the needs of the most vulnerable are least well met.

Friends of Antara UK therefore believes one of the most valuable contributions it can make to the twin aims of tackling mental illness and deprivation, is to support research.

How you can Help

Conducting Research

We are looking for students or qualified individuals with the appropriate skills and time to organise research projects. You might choose to create your own study, according to specialist interest or training requirements, or work from one of the brief proposals we have created under "Proposed Research Projects" (below, see also resources section in 'research' folder) . Some of our committee have experience of researching or working in India or with Antara and can advise or facilitate the development of your proposal if necessary. We would encourage those interested to contact us or apply as volunteers.

Proposed Research Titles

(1) "The impact of childhood mental illness on the family unit in resource-poor populations: A qualitative study in West Bengal, India" . Proposal drafted by Emily Doncaster and Mandy Lau, 2008 (see link here for proposal)

Collaboration

Friends of Antara UK also seeks the cooperation of academic centres in the UK to enable research by local health professionals. This may be simply through access to funding, or a joint collaboration on the ground in India. Please contact us for details.

On-line Journal

We hope to develop an on-line journal for research conducted by at Antara. Relevant papers from contributors in the UK or India will also be considered. If you have skills to offer in editing or want to contribute we warmly welcome your contact.