Reading Time: 3 minutes

By KLTV Newsdesk –

University of Huddersfield leads survey to improve resilience and support services for at-risk communities

Hundreds of people living in flood-risk areas across West Yorkshire are being invited to take part in a major new study that aims to understand and reduce the mental health impacts of flooding.

The Healthy Housing Initiative at the University of Huddersfield is carrying out the research as part of the West Yorkshire Flood Innovation Programme (WYFLIP), led by Kirklees Council with support from the Environment Agency.

The project has received £56,000 funding from the Yorkshire Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and Kirklees Council.

Why the Research Matters

Climate-related disasters such as flooding are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.

International studies show they can trigger psychological distress, anxiety, and trauma, yet there is still limited local evidence on how West Yorkshire communities are affected.

The study, known as a Mental Health Needs Assessment (MHNA), will provide the evidence needed to develop new and effective approaches to flood preparedness and mental health support.

Cllr Amanda Pinnock, Cabinet Member for Communities and Environment at Kirklees Council, said: “There are steps we can take to reduce the chance of flooding here in Kirklees, but it is likely to be an ongoing challenge for some of our communities, as we see ongoing shifts in climate change.

“This project will help prepare communities for unpredicted flooding and will help them to recover with compassionate and understanding support.”

Survey, Interviews and Community Workshops

Around 500 online questionnaires will be distributed this month (September) through flood groups, managers, and community workers.

They will also be promoted on social media and in local publications.

The second stage will involve around 50 in-depth interviews with households affected by or at risk of flooding, alongside five workshops with community groups to co-design solutions such as preparedness toolkits.

Dr Dillon Newton, Research Fellow leading the MHNA, said: “This assessment will provide the evidence we need to understand and address the mental health impacts of flooding and ensure support services are truly responsive to at-risk communities.”

From Evidence to Policy

The results will be used to create a policy briefing with recommendations for councils, housing organisations, and policymakers at both local and regional levels.

Findings will also strengthen bids for funding to improve wellbeing and flood resilience.

Professor Joseph Holden, Director of iCASP and WYFLIP Board member, said: “This project will provide a blueprint for future research collaboration and knowledge sharing across the region on flooding and mental health.

“An important outcome will be a new academic-policy network to support advancement of solutions to mental health and climate-related hazards.”

Training Frontline Workers

The project has already delivered Psychological First Aid training to around 100 frontline staff in Kirklees, including emergency planners, flood risk managers, CCTV operators and gully wagon drivers.

The training, delivered by Purple Dog, equips staff to better support residents after flooding and reduce risks of post-traumatic stress disorder.

A Collaborative Effort

The MHNA is part of a wider Creating Opportunities through Local Innovation Fellowship (COLIF), funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the ESRC.

The fellowship extends beyond flooding to explore the mental health impacts of other climate-related disasters, including wildfires.

Dr Tom Simcock, COLIF Fellow at the University of Huddersfield, said: “As climate-related disasters like flooding and wildfires become more frequent, this fellowship is an important opportunity to work together to address their impacts on mental wellbeing.

“It provides an exciting chance to collaborate with colleagues, communities and local partners to co-develop strategies that will build resilience and support those most affected.”

Cllr Katie Kimber, WYFLIP spokesperson and Calderdale councillor, added:  “I have first-hand experience of how devastating flooding can be for residents.

“The aim of this project is to help people become more resilient and recover more quickly from floods by improving their mental wellbeing.

“The plan is to share what we learn to benefit others further afield.”

Post Views: 62