The £2.27 million contract was awarded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and will be used to fund the recently launched READY programme – the Randomised trial of Energetic Activity for Depression in Young people. This trial project, led by the University of Hertfordshire, will explore whether exercise is a beneficial form of treatment for mild to moderate depression in young people, aged between 13 and 17, in the East of England.

It is common knowledge that exercise is important in staying active and healthy but it is also crucial to understand if it reduces depression in young people.

“In 2018, in Hertfordshire alone, over 1000 young people were referred for mental health support, which clearly indicates that there is a gap in support and care for this particular age group,” said Dr David Wellsted, Co-lead researcher from the University of Hertfordshire’s Centre for Health Services & Clinical Research.

“The READY study will explore if participation in group exercise is an effective intervention for depression, which could help communities provide support for young people experiencing these issues, as well as relieve pressure on stretched NHS services.”

Involving research students and academics from the University of Bedfordshire's Institute for Sport & Physical Activity Research (ISPAR), the study will compare the benefits of high intensity and low intensity peer group exercise sessions, delivered online by trained sports professionals.

Throughout COVID-19, teenagers have been consistently reporting high levels of anxiety and depression due to restrictions of the UK’s lockdowns. Exercising during COVID-19 lockdown can be difficult but that should not stop young people from keeping fit as it is crucial for their wellbeing.

Researchers involved in the READY programme are encouraging teens from across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Norfolk to sign up to take part in this study, as it will also provide a great way to socialise and interact with other young people at a time of restricted social movement.

“Exercise is great for our mental health but sometimes it can be hard to get started and stay active,” said Professor Angel Chater, Director of ISPAR and Professor in Health Psychology & Behaviour Change at the University of Bedfordshire.

“The READY exercise programme is free to young people living with depression, delivered in a safe, local environment by friendly and welcoming staff. It has been designed to help break down barriers to exercise, with fun activities in a group setting with others of a similar age. We understand that it may feel scary to join a new group but our team is ready to support you, or someone you know, so please get in touch.”

Volunteers who take part in the READY programme will not only help provide invaluable learnings for the study, but also have the opportunity to engage with an online exercise programme that has been developed through close consultation with other young people and community sports organisations.

Dr Daksha Trivedi, Co-lead researcher from the University of Hertfordshire’s Centre for Research in Public Health & Community Care, said: “We are working closely with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and local community sports provider organisations such as Active Luton, Bedfordshire, Watford Football Club’s Community Sports & Education Trust and Norwich City Community Sports Foundation. Many young people are struggling to get the right support, especially during COVID-19 lockdown. The READY trial will provide the opportunity for young people to come forward and take part in this online exercise research.”

For further information about the trial, follow @READYTrial on Twitter or visit the dedicated website: https://readytrial.co.uk/

Volunteers interested in taking part in the READY programme can contact readytrial@herts.ac.uk or sign up via the online form here.