Policy & Research
Evidence, shaped by real lives.
Our work is grounded in evidence and driven by a vision for a more compassionate and effective mental health system. Here, you’ll find research, policy analysis, and first-hand accounts organised into key themes, from user voices and legislative advocacy to digital innovation and accountability. Whether you’re a policymaker, practitioner, or advocate, these resources are designed to inform, inspire, and ignite change.
Research Spotlight
Visit this space for regular deep dives into key research shaping Ireland’s mental health landscape
Submission to the Mental Health Commission on the Development of the Code of Practice on the use of Pharmacological Restraint
Pharmacological restraint has been a central focus of advocacy by Mental Health Reform (MHR). Through sustained and strategic engagement with policymakers, alongside the voices of people with lived experience, clinicians, and human rights bodies, MHR explicitly advocated for the legislative regulation of this practice and successfully secured its inclusion in the new Mental Health Bill 2024. This submission is made to the Mental Health Commission as part of the consultation on the development of the Code of Practice on the Use of Pharmacological Restraint, arising from the provisions of the forthcoming Bill.
Submission to the Mental Health Commission on the Development of the Reduction Strategy for Restrictive Practices
This submission sets out a comprehensive, rights-based response to the Mental Health Commission’s proposed Reduction Strategy for Restrictive Practices. It argues for a renewed and strengthened strategic focus grounded in human rights, trauma-informed and recovery-oriented care, and meaningful service user involvement. It highlights the need to critically examine both regulated and unregulated restrictive practices to ensure that reductions are genuine, sustained, and not displaced into less visible forms of control.
Popular Research
Explore our regularly updated picks of the most talked-about research shaping mental health policy and practice.
Mental Health in the Workplace
A co-produced guide empowering individuals with mental health difficulties to understand and advocate for their rights in the workplace, aiming to reduce stigma and promote inclusivity.
Social Prescribing
We examine the role of social prescribing in mental health care, emphasizing its benefits and the challenges to its implementation within Ireland’s voluntary and community sectors
Mental Health Services & Support in Prisons
An in-depth exploration of mental health services within Irish prisons, highlighting existing supports, access pathways, barriers faced by incarcerated individuals and opportunities for improvement.
Perinatal Suicide in Ireland
Pregnancy and the first year after birth can carry serious mental health risks that are still not fully recognised or addressed. This report shares key findings and highlights why stronger awareness, support, and services are urgently needed.
Dual Recovery
Research identifying systemic barriers to care for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, advocating for integrated service models.
Ethnic Minority Guidelines
Updated guidelines offering best practices for mental health professionals to provide culturally sensitive care to individuals from ethnic minority communities.
What Women Said, What Women Want
We capture women’s lived experiences with mental health services and the impact of menopause, aiming to inform gender-sensitive mental health policies in Ireland.
LGBTI+ My Voice Matters
A survey capturing the experiences of LGBTI+ individuals with mental health services in Ireland, highlighting areas for improvement in inclusivity and support.
Recent Submissions
Submissions are a vital part of our work because they ensure that the voices of people with lived experience shape the laws and systems that affect their mental health.
Quick Guides
Simple, straightforward information, at your fingertips.
Our Library
Here, you’ll find research, policy analysis, and first-hand accounts organised into key themes