Projects

Learn how our recent work is challenging system-first thinking and centering services around lived reality.

A young student writing in a notebook during a study session indoors.

Thriving Lives in Higher Education

Client: SCiPAlliance
Partner: Naval Children’s Charity

ACCESS led research into the experiences of students from Armed Forces families in Higher Education as part of the Thriving Lives Through Childhood and Beyond project.

The resulting Thriving Lives Toolkit for HE offers a practical framework to help universities strengthen inclusion, strategy, and the student experience for Armed Forces-connected learners.

Young Adult Mental Health in Kent and Medway

Client : Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (KMICB)

Partner : TONIC

We work with Kent and Medway ICB and local providers to improve outcomes for 18 to 25-year-olds through research, evaluation, and training. Current projects include:

  • Working With Young Adults Training – A CPD-accredited course for mental heath professionals
  • Rapid Mental Health Needs Assessment – A region-wide consultation mapping mental health needs of 18-25 years olds. See summary of results.
  • Primary Care Pilot – Evaluation of embedding Young Adult Mental Health Practitioners in primary care.
  • Bespoke Training Package for KMPT – A tailored e-learning course for KMPT staff, focused on supporting young adults.
A focused woman during a therapy session, seated on a sofa indoors.

Llais Cymru

Client: Llais – The Citizen Voice Body for Health and Social Care in Wales
We have led and delivered a range of research projects for Llais exploring public experiences of health and social care services including:
  • Access to Dentistry in Wales – a national consultation on dental access and inequalities informing Llais’s public position statement on dentistry in Wales.
  • Healthcare in Special Schools (Cwm Taf Morgannwg) – a qualitative study on the implementation of the Welsh School Nursing Framework in seven special schools.
  • Community Services for Older People (Gwent)
    – a review and mapping of integrated health and social care services for older people in Gwent.
  • Community Mapping – a mixed-methods study on how public feedback is gathered and used by health and social care services across Wales.

Supporting Vulnerable Victims in the Criminal Justice System

Partner: Canterbury Christ Church University, Nottingham Police, Justice Support Dogs International

This award-winning project was the first global study to evaluate facility dogs in criminal justice settings, showing they reduce anxiety and improve communication for vulnerable people during police interviews. Findings have influenced policy and informed training standards for legal professionals.

Understanding the Lived Experiences of Armed Forces Children and Young People (2025–2027)

Client: Forces in Mind Trust
Partners: Brunel University London, University of Winchester, Forces Children Scotland

ACCESS is part of a UK-wide research consortium exploring the experiences of Armed Forces children and young people before, during and after their parent or guardian transitions from military to civilian life. Commissioned by Forces in Mind Trust, the research will provide evidence to shape future policy, services and support for Armed Forces families.

Current work includes:

  • Co-designing the research with children and young people from Armed Forces families.
  • Leading UK-wide fieldwork, including surveys, interviews and focus groups.
  • Producing evidence-based recommendations to improve policy and practice across the Armed Forces community.

Armed Forces Families Fund: Early Years Programme Evaluation (2025–2027)

Client: Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

ACCESS is undertaking the independent evaluation of the Armed Forces Families Fund: Early Years Programme, assessing the impact of funded projects supporting children aged 0–5 from Armed Forces families. The evaluation will provide robust evidence to inform future investment, policy and programme development.

Current work includes:

  • Evaluating programme impact, effectiveness and value for money across funded projects.
  • Working with funded organisations and stakeholders to identify learning and best practice.
  • Developing recommendations to strengthen future support for Armed Forces families in the early years.

Wiltshire Children and Young People's Health and Wellbeing Survey (2025–2026)

We designed and delivered Wiltshire’s Children and Young People’s Health and Wellbeing Survey, providing robust evidence on the health, wellbeing and experiences of children and young people across the county. The findings are informing strategic planning, commissioning and service improvement across education and public health, including:

  • Children and Young People’s Health and Wellbeing Survey – A county-wide survey of children and young people aged 8–18+, exploring health, wellbeing, education, relationships, safety and future aspirations.
  • Public Health Intelligence – Analysis of health and wellbeing outcomes to inform strategic planning, commissioning priorities and targeted interventions.
  • School and Community Insights – Evidence to support schools, local services and policymakers in improving outcomes for children and young people, including priority and underrepresented groups.