Sussex trial takes therapy ‘onto the streets’ to support people with psychosis

Researchers at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust are leading a national trial of an approach known as Social Recovery Therapy.

The therapy aims to help people overcome practical barriers that may prevent them from working, studying, volunteering or reconnecting with their communities.

Instead of remaining in a clinical setting, therapists will work alongside participants in everyday locations. This could involve helping someone catch a bus, visit a café, volunteer or prepare to return to work.

Professor Mark Hayward, Director of Research for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Traditionally, therapy has been provided within NHS consulting rooms and has focused on reducing symptoms. This study has the potential to be a game changer because it focuses on the recovery goals that matter most to people and takes therapy out onto the streets, where learning can feel more immediate and meaningful.

"Rather than simply talking about challenges, therapists help people build confidence and independence in real-life situations. I'm excited to see what we learn from offering therapy in this much more personalised way."

The Improving Social Recovery in Psychosis study, known as ISRiP, is being co-led by Professor David Fowler, from Sussex Partnership, and Professor Joanne Hodgekins, from the University of East Anglia.

Around 350 adults living with psychosis will take part across NHS trusts in Sussex, Norwich, Cambridgeshire and Greater Manchester.

The study is being supported by a £2.8 million grant from the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Dr Sam Robertson, Lead for Public Involvement in Research at Sussex Partnership, said: "A key benefit of this study is that the relationship between the participant and therapist is driven by the participant, and the therapy will take place where the participant wants it to take place. It is a different and equal working relationship between therapist and participant.

"From my experience, a huge problem with psychosis is that it often begins just as a young person is starting their adult life, whether that is higher education, employment or relationships. Psychosis can disrupt that journey before it begins and may leave someone reliant on services and benefits.

"Social Recovery Therapy acknowledges individual needs and by providing intensive therapy over a period of nine months, it helps people identify what is meaningful and productive to them."

Psychosis, which can include conditions such as schizophrenia, can leave people socially isolated and unable to participate in everyday activities.

Social Recovery Therapy helps people identify goals and gradually become involved in structured activities, including employment, education, volunteering, sport, leisure, childcare and household responsibilities.

Participants will be offered up to 16 sessions over nine months. Researchers will measure changes in behaviour and participants’ ability to take part in purposeful activities of their choice.

Professor Hodgekins said: "We're moving therapy beyond the clinic room and into everyday community settings, where people can work alongside a trained therapist to explore new activities and build confidence in real-life situations."

The therapy will be delivered by trained psychological practitioners already working within community mental health teams. Researchers believe this could make the model suitable for wider and cost-effective NHS adoption if the trial is successful.

The team will also investigate how the therapy can be adapted for people from different cultural backgrounds and incorporated into routine NHS mental health services.

Lucy Walsh, Research Involvement Co-ordinator at Sussex Partnership, worked with people who have experienced psychosis during the development of the study.

She said: "The ISRiP study has involved people at every stage of the research design. It has taken patient and public involvement seriously, with a genuine commitment to including the people the research is designed to support. It's particularly encouraging that the study offers different ways for people to get involved, recognising that flexibility helps make participation accessible to everyone."

Researchers hope the trial will establish whether Social Recovery Therapy improves quality of life, wellbeing and participation in work and education while providing good value for the NHS.

The study opened to participants in Sussex in July 2026 and will continue for four years, until 2030.

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