OSMOSIS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Co-producing social and community support resources for family carers of people with psychosis (OSMOSIS)
IRAS ID
338635
Contact name
Jacqueline Sin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
City St Georges University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
Carers are friends or relatives who provide unpaid support to someone who could not manage daily life without them. Caring is challenging in any circumstance, but supporting a family member with psychosis presents particular stresses. Psychosis carers often experience reduced quality of life, poorer wellbeing, and the stigma and discrimination associated with severe mental illness. While their role may include some physical care, it most often involves emotional support and encouraging engagement with mental health services. It is therefore vital that carers receive appropriate support.
Under the Care Act, adults providing unpaid care have a legal right to information, advice, assessment of needs, and support where eligible. Local authorities (LAs) usually coordinate this support with NHS and third-sector partners. However, existing provision is rarely tailored to the unique needs of psychosis carers, leaving many unable to access suitable help despite their entitlements.
This study will work with three LAs, their partner organisations, and psychosis carers to address this gap. We will map existing services and resources, identifying examples of good practice and areas of unmet need. We will conduct interviews with carers and staff to explore their experiences of accessing and delivering support, including barriers and facilitators. Building on these findings, we will co-design new resources or actions with carers and staff to strengthen available support.
Lived experience will guide the project throughout. A Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG) will guide project design, materials, and dissemination, while a Psychosis Oversight Committee (POC) will review project ideas and outcomes ensuring the perspectives of people with psychosis are fully considered. To support inclusion, we will recruit members from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, offering translators, replacement care, digital data, and transport. Outputs will include co-produced resources, examples of good practice, and implementation guidance, shared via LAs, partner organisations, publications, and social media.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NW/0027
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion