RecruitingInterventional

The DISCOVER Implementation study

This study, called the DISCOVER Implementation study, is about how to successfully provide special workshops to help 16-18 year olds with stress, anxiety, and depression in schools across England. A previous study showed these workshops, called DISCOVER, helped reduce symptoms of depression. Now, researchers want to work out the best way for NHS staff in schools to offer these workshops so that they can be used widely and continue to help young people. They will see how well they work in new schools, make sure they are good value for money, and create a guide for other schools to use. This will help more young people get support for their mental health.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

288

Start

10 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2027

Depression and anxiety among students

What is this study about?

Many young people are finding it hard with their mental health, especially teenagers. Sometimes, they don't get help because they worry about what others might think, or because mental health services are very busy and focus on those with the most serious problems. This study is exciting because it looks at a helpful way to support students with stress, anxiety, and depression. It builds on a previous study that already showed a workshop called DISCOVER was effective in helping young people feel better and was good value for money.

Now, this new study wants to make sure these helpful DISCOVER workshops can be offered more widely to 16-18 year olds in schools across England, not just as part of a research project. The goal is to figure out the best way for local NHS mental health support teams in schools to deliver these workshops. This involves making sure the workshops remain effective, are easy to set up for schools, and offer good value for the NHS.

To do this, researchers will look at how the workshops work in new schools, hear from students and staff involved, and see what helps or hinders the process. They'll then use all this information to create a clear guide for other schools wanting to offer DISCOVER workshops in the future. The ultimate aim is to make sure more young people can access this support for their mental health when they need it.

Key takeaways

Focuses on improving mental health support for 16-18 year olds in schools.
Investigates the best way to roll out DISCOVER workshops across England.
Workshops aim to help with stress, anxiety, and depression.
Participation involves a day-long workshop and some follow-up assessments.
Previous research showed these workshops were effective.
Study aims to create a guide for schools to use DISCOVER in the future.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young people aged between 16 and 18 who are currently going to school or college. You would need to be able to understand and speak English well enough to complete the study forms and take part in the workshop.

It's important that you are looking for some help with stress or low mood, and that you can attend the workshop at your school. You wouldn't be able to join if you have very serious mental health concerns, such as if you are actively suicidal or already receiving help from specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), or if you have severe learning difficulties or psychosis.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 16 and 18 years old?
Are you currently attending school or college?
Can you understand and speak English well enough to participate?
Are you looking for support with stress or low mood?
Are you able to attend the workshop at your school?
Are you NOT currently receiving help from specialist children's mental health services (CAMHS)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would first choose to refer yourself to a DISCOVER stress workshop. You would then be asked to give your permission to be part of the study. This would involve filling out some assessment forms on a digital device at the very start. You'd also have a chat with a staff member to set some goals for yourself.

The main part is attending a day-long DISCOVER workshop. After the workshop, you'd get a text message to see how you're getting on. You'd also be asked to complete a couple more assessment forms about 3 months and then 6 months after the workshop. The whole study would involve these steps, spread out over about 6 months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in the DISCOVER workshop could help you learn new ways to cope with stress, feel less alone, and improve your mood over time. However, it's possible you might not find the methods helpful, or you might not feel completely comfortable in a group setting with up to 15 other students. You are always free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any point without it affecting your care or your standing at school. The research team is there to support you.

Locations (6)

King's College London
Approximate
London, United Kingdom
Anna Freud Centre (Manchester)
City only
Manchester, United Kingdom
University of Bath
Approximate
Bath, United Kingdom
University of Northampton
Approximate
Northampton, United Kingdom
University of Newcastle
Approximate
Newcastle, United Kingdom
Kent Mental Health teams
City only
Maidstone, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the DISCOVER workshop about?

It's a group workshop designed to help 16-18 year olds learn skills to manage stress, anxiety, and depression.

Will I have to pay to join the workshop?

No, if you are eligible and accepted into the study, there is no cost to you to attend the workshop.

How long does the study last if I join?

You will be involved for about 6 months, from signing up until your last follow-up assessment.

Who will run these workshops?

They will be run by trained NHS mental health support teams (MHSTs) who work in schools.

What happens if I don't like the workshop?

You can leave the workshop or the study at any time. Your decision will not affect your care or how teachers see you.

How to find out more

June Brown

June.brown@kcl.ac.uk +44 (0)7875015282 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.