Research Activities

Rural Mental Health Research – Eight Projects, One Partnership. Video presentations of local research, findings and implications for practice

Hear from some of our successful small grant recipients as they share their learnings from the research they did in their local communities.

As part of our Rural Mental Health Partnership with NSW Health, The Peregrine Centre awarded 23 Small Project Grants to rural mental health researchers between 2021-2026. These videos highlight just 8 of these projects, illustrating the breadth of rural mental health research in NSW.

Recruiting, Retaining and Supporting the Wellbeing of Rural Mental Health Staff

Led by Dr Monica Short and Dr Emma Rush, researchers from Charles Sturt University worked with NGO mental health staff across Southern NSW and Murrumbidgee LHDs to explore recruitment, retention, and wellbeing strategies.

Bee Well: Natural Disaster Resilience

Led by Dr Suzanne Cosh, researchers from the University of New England designed a new wellbeing intervention designed to support rural young people affected by natural disasters. Co‑designed with local experts, educators, and youth voices, the Bee Well program offers an age‑appropriate way to help children understand and manage eco‑anxiety in communities where disasters and limited services can heighten stress.

Mutual Support and Mental Health of Rural Men

Led by Dr Alison Beck, researchers from the University of Wollongong conducted a study to better understand how SMART Recovery groups support men living in rural and remote areas, where access to mental health and alcohol and other drug services is often limited.

Supporting Mothers in Regional NSW

Led by Dr Cassandra Sundaraja, researchers from the University of New England conducted a pilot-trial to explore a new way to support postpartum women in regional NSW who have experienced traumatic births. The program, informed by narrative therapy techniques, is designed to help women feel heard, supported, and connected—especially in areas where mental health services are limited.

Telehealth & DBT Treatment

Led by Dr Carla Walton, a team of clinical researchers piloted this innovative model of DBT providing the skills-based group therapy by telehealth, and the individual therapy component of the treatment face-to-face by rural clinicians.

Research Activities

Rural Mental Health Research – Eight Projects, One Partnership. Video presentations of local research, findings and implications for practice

Recruiting, Retaining and Supporting the Wellbeing of Rural Mental Health Staff

Bee Well: Natural Disaster Resilience

Mutual Support and Mental Health of Rural Men

Supporting Mothers in Regional NSW

Telehealth & DBT Treatment

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