The Peregrine Centre supports and conducts research focused on rural mental health practice in NSW. Check out our summaries of projects we have supported or conducted as part of the Rural Mental Health Partnership.
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.
Led by Dr Peter Kelly, 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.
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.
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.
Researchers from University of Wollongong and Murrumbidgee Local Health District partnered to pilot a new approach. The intervention combined 6 online weekly learning modules with weekly telehealth sessions with a clinician.