Career Development Awardee
tamarab@trustlinks.org
I am a Mental Health Practitioner with a background in psychology, working to improve the wellbeing of people experiencing mental ill health through compassionate, community-based approaches. My career has focused on improving the lives of people experiencing mental ill health through person-centred services across NHS and voluntary sector services. More recently, I have begun building my research career, with a particular interest in ensuring research is informed by practise and the lived experiences of the people it is intended to support.
My research focuses on the transition from acute mental health services back into community life, with a particular interest in the factors that promote recovery, connection and wellbeing. I am especially interested in the role of nature-based approaches, including social and therapeutic horticulture, in supporting this transition and helping people rediscover connection, purpose and belonging.
Read about Tamara’s Career Development Award plans
Developing My Career in Mental Health Social Care Research
This award will support my development as an early-career researcher, building on my passion for improving the experiences of people moving from inpatient mental healthcare back into the community.
I will review the research that already exists and identify gaps where new studies could make the biggest difference. I will also take part in short courses to build my research skills.
To link research with real-life practice, I will visit gardening projects in hospitals and community settings. These visits will give me first-hand insight into how these projects work and help me build relationships with organisations that may want to partner with me on future studies.
An important part of my approach is to work with people who have moved from inpatient mental health care back into the community. I will run workshops to make sure their voices and priorities shape my research. I will also attend conferences, training events, and networking activities to learn from other researchers and practitioners in social care.
By the end of this award, I will have stronger skills, better links with researchers and organisations, and a clearer plan for future studies. Most importantly, I will be ready to apply for funding to lead meaningful research in a field I am deeply passionate about.
