About the opportunity 

The Parent Carer Research Network was set up in 2024 to champion the voices of parents and carers in children and young people mental health research.  

Since the start, the network has been guided by a steering group of parents and carers who have lived experience of supporting their children with mental health difficulties.  

We are looking for 2 more parents and carers to join our network’s wonderful steering group.  

This opportunity involves having a say in how the network runs, contributing to key decisions and working together on resources, ideas and support for other parents and carers, and researchers.  

Anyone can apply, but to make the group as representative as possible, we’d especially love to hear from: 

• fathers and male carers 
• parents and carers living in the midlands, north of England, or devolved nations 
• adoptive or foster parents and carers. 

The role is varied and flexible – from joining regular online meetings, to helping design resources and guide the network.  

Please note this is not an opportunity to get directly involved in research projects. If you would like to be part of mental health research, join our network to receive regular updates and opportunities: http://go.charliewaller.org/PCRN      

For more information about the network, visit: www.parentcarerresearchnetwork.org.uk  

ℹ️ What we are looking for:  

• You are a parent or carer with experiences of supporting a child (aged 0-25) who has experienced mental health difficulties 

• You can attend online meetings (with video) every 4-6 weeks which last 1.5 hours (usually 7-8.30pm on a Wednesday or Thursday) 

• You will provide feedback and input your suggestions between meetings via email 

• You will share your views with the group and respect the opinions of others   

• You see the important role that parents and carers could play in research.  

🤝 What you can expect from us:  

• We will treat you with respect, value your experience, and welcome your ideas  

• We will maintain a safe working environment and provide support when needed  

• We will reimburse you either directly to your bank account or as a voucher (£27.50/hour) - and please discuss with us if help is needed with childcare, carer or internet costs too.  

Application guidance 

• Please keep the information above in mind while completing the application form below. You can also send us your answers to the form as a video or audio recording if that works better for you. 

• Please only include information you are comfortable sharing. Whilst we need to confirm you have the necessary lived experience we are not asking you to share detailed information about your family’s experiences. 

• We are asking these questions to learn about you and how the role might suit you. 

• You can keep your answers short, up to approx. 300 words for each question. 

 What happens next? 

🚀 Please return your application by 5pm on Monday 1 June 2026 by email to parentcarerresearchnetwork@psych.ox.ac.uk. 

If you have any questions about the form or opportunity, please contact our team. 

All applicants will be notified on the result of their application by Thursday 25 June. 

The first meeting with new members will be Wednesday 8 July 7-8.30pm, via Zoom. 

New members will have the opportunity for a quick introductory meeting either just before the steering group session or another time in the week before if they would like. 

If you are not offered a place on the steering group, you can still get involved in mental health research by becoming a member of the network to receive regular updates and opportunities: http://go.charliewaller.org/PCRN