Two new health psychology networks have been set-up across the region, with the aim of promoting collaboration between health psychologists working in different settings. The Warwick Health Psychology Network was set up to facilitate networking between health psychologists working in different departments across the University of Warwick. The group were established in January 2013 (supported by the Institute of Advanced Studies, University of Warwick) and held their inaugural event in July with Dr Tony Cassidy, Chair of the Division of Health Psychology as guest speaker.

In Coventry, the Health Psychology Local Interest Group held its first meeting in May 2013 when the group agreed two overall aims: firstly to support career development for early career researchers and students; secondly to promote health psychology to a wider audience, including linking with Coventry council and third sector organisations. The group will meet monthly for informal networking sessions and skills and career development. Quarterly evening events are planned to combine an external speaker with a social event.

Health psychology is recognised as essential to reducing the burden placed on the NHS from unhealthy lifestyles and long-term conditions in an increasingly elderly population. Psychologists seek to understand the barriers people face when trying to change their lifestyle e.g. lose weight, increase physical activity or stop smoking and find ways to overcome these barriers, using theoretically-driven behaviour change techniques. Similarly, these techniques can be used to help people manage their long-term conditions by assisting them to adhere to their medications and prevent or treat depression and anxiety. As well as in Universities, Health Psychologists are increasingly working in a range of NHS settings such as cardiovascular rehabilitation.

The two groups intend to work together to promote health psychology and increase the number of funded research projects to develop and evaluate lifestyle interventions. 

The Coventry group meet monthly at Coventry University; if you are interested please contact Naomi Bartle on naomi.bartle@coventry.ac.uk or 02476 795 497. For further information about the Warwick Health Psychology Network please contact Harbinder Sandhu on harbinder.k.sandhu@warwick.ac.uk or 02476 574 939