Dr Arti Makwana
She/Her
About
I joined CHSS in 2023 after completing my PhD in Psychology at the University of Kent. I’m particularly interested in improving care and support for people experiencing mental ill health, addressing mental health inequalities, and challenging mental health stigma.
I am passionate about involving service users and members of the public in the development of research, and in supporting them to develop their research skills and experience.
I work on a range of projects across public health, social care, and policy research, and have supervised ICAP students and Research Champions. I am also the CHSS EDI Co-Chair, and a Mental Health Ally.
I am also an honorary research associate at Kent and Medway Partnership Trust, where I have previously had 7 years’ experience in developing and delivering mental health and dementia research.
Currently Researching
- The Looking Forward Project (https://behopeful.co.uk/)
- Centre for Care
- eLearning for public health research
- Using creative methods to understand the needs and priorities for Young Adult Carers
- Understanding research capacity building in NHS trusts in Kent, Surrey, and Sussex: a realist evaluation
Research Interests and Expertise
- mental health and wellbeing
- mental health inequalities
- prejudice and stigma
- patient and public involvement and coproduction
- equality, diversity and inclusion in research
- literature reviews
- mixed method research
- young carers’ health and wellbeing
Previous projects
- Unmet needs in NHS Dentistry
- Integration of Local Authorities in Integrated Care Systems
- Evaluation of the Interprofessional Educational Leadership Fellowship
Awards
Project title: Using creative methods to understand the needs and priorities for Young Adult Carers
Role: Joint Principal Investigator
Funder: University of Kent Summer Vacation Research Internship (2024)
Award amount: £2500
Project title : Addressing barriers to engagement and participation in mental health and community health research for neurodivergent adults and adults with Learning Disabilities
Role: Principal Investigator
Funder: CRN, KSS – Underserved Communities (2022)
Award amount: £10,000