The Mental Health Harm Prevention (MhhP) research group focuses on harnessing prevention to improve mental health by identifying early risk, strengthening protective factors, and informing effective, real‑world interventions. Our work responds to the growing demand on mental health services by shifting the focus upstream—towards prevention, early intervention, and harm reduction across the lifespan.

Our research spans five key thematic areas: early intervention and prevention; behavioural risk factors (e.g., substance use); environmental and social stressors and supports (e.g., climate anxiety, parenting pressures); resilience and wellbeing; and workforce and system capacity. We place a strong emphasis on young people, families, and those facing increased vulnerability, while also supporting the wellbeing and capacity of the mental health workforce. By employing an interdisciplinary approach to studying real‑world experiences and evaluating practical interventions, our goal is to inform better prevention, earlier intervention, and healthier communities.