Background

Ambulance service personnel face some of the most challenging working conditions in healthcare. Daily exposure to traumatic incidents and sustained occupational stress places them at high risk of PTSD, anxiety, depression, burnout, and absenteeism.

The David Lynch Foundation UK (DLF-UK), in collaboration with NHS Ambulance Trusts, is launching a new initiative to explore innovative, evidence-based approaches to support the mental health and resilience of ambulance workers.

We are seeking research proposals to evaluate the impact of Transcendental Meditation (TM) in this context. TM is a simple, evidence-based practice with growing research suggesting benefits for stress reduction, resilience, and workplace wellbeing.

We are particularly interested in collaborating with UK-based researchers in psychology, psychiatry, health services research, and health economics. Multidisciplinary teams and co-developed approaches are encouraged.

Scope

We invite applications that propose:

  • Randomised controlled trials or feasibility studies in ambulance staff.
  • Use of validated outcome measures for psychological distress, PTSD, resilience, absenteeism, and workforce retention.
  • Consideration of qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
  • A plan for scalability and integration into NHS workforce wellbeing strategies.

Eligibility

  • Lead applicants must be based at a UK university, NHS Trust, or recognised research institution.
  • Applications must demonstrate capacity for ethical governance and data management.
  • Multidisciplinary teams are encouraged, with clear Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) throughout the design, delivery, and dissemination of the study.

Funding

Support for research costs will be provided. Applicants should propose a realistic budget aligned with NIHR cost attribution guidance (AcoRD).

Application Process

Proposals should be submitted as a single PDF (maximum 8 pages), including:

  • Aims and objectives
  • Study design and methodology
  • Research team and expertise
  • PPI involvement
  • Budget and justification
  • Timeline

Applications should be sent to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Review

Proposals will be reviewed by a panel convened by DLF-UK. Outcomes will be communicated within 3 weeks of the submission deadline. Assessment criteria will include scientific quality, relevance to ambulance service needs, feasibility, and strength of PPI.