About REACH

The REACH study is being conducted by a team of researchers from the Social Epidemiology Research Group at King's College London (KCL), and is funded by the European Union. 

The aim of REACH to investigate why, when faced with similar challenges and difficulties, some young people develop mental health problems and others do not.

In doing this, REACH will help us understand how to promote good mental health in young people from all backgrounds. 
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Why is REACH important?
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Most mental health problems begin during adolescence. By better understanding what leads to good mental health and what leads to poor mental health we may be able to respond more effectively during this critical period.
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What does REACH involve?

The REACH study is being conducted in schools in south London. We have invited all students, aged 11 to 14, in participating schools to take part. Over 3,000 young people, from 10 to 15 schools, have already taken part.

If your school is participating:
  1. Students in Years 7, 8, and 9 will be asked to complete a short questionnaire about their mental health and positive and negative life experiences, which we would like to repeat one and two years later. 
  2. Some students who complete the questionnaire - selected at random - will be invited to complete a further questionnaire and some reasoning tasks, which we would like to repeat one year later. 
If we take part, how will my school benefit? 

We will work in partnership with schools to ensure there are notable benefits to participation. Your school will be offered:
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  • Direct contribution (e.g. donation to library, hardship fund)
  • Lessons for sixth form students (and others if appropriate) on topics including psychology, sociology, statistics, real world research, and genetics
  • Formal links with King's College London, including work placements and mentorship for students applying to university
  • Mental health awareness sessions and materials for students and teachers

​For more information on benefits to schools visit our community engagement page.
​What is the time frame for REACH?

REACH began in September 2015 and we are now entering the 5th and final year of this phase of the study. In the first year piloted the study in two schools. In the second, third, fourth and fifth years, have been completing data collection. This year we also analyse and disseminate the study findings. ​​
Further information

For more information, contact us directly. 

For more information on resources for professionals click here.