McPin Foundation

The McPin Foundation, established in 2007 by Dr Nick McNally and Dr Vanessa Pinfold and refocused in 2012 as a specialist mental health research charity, transforms mental health research by embedding lived experience expertise at every stage of research, policy, and practice. Headquartered in London and operating primarily across England with some UK-wide and international collaborations, its mission emphasizes improving mental health for those with complex needs, marginalized groups, young people, and individuals facing epistemic injustice. Core values—opposing oppression, challenging inequalities, compassion, inclusive collaboration, and courageous innovation—drive a distinctive participatory approach, integrating paid peer researchers and prioritizing co-production to maximize research relevance and impact.

McPin funds collaborative research projects, participatory evaluations, peer research training, and academic studentships (mainly PhDs) in thematic areas like peer-led interventions, young people’s mental health, psychosis, loneliness, mental health inequalities, perinatal mental health, community support, and social justice impacts. Key beneficiaries include children/young people, those with disabilities/long-term mental health issues, socially excluded groups, and the public, often via initiatives like the Young People's Network or evaluations of programs such as gameChange VR therapy for psychosis and Women Side by Side peer support.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, academic institutions, and community groups (small to medium-sized preferred) demonstrating commitment to lived experience leadership and participatory methods; no geographic base or strict income limits apply, though work must primarily benefit UK/England communities. Typical grants range £10,000–£80,000 (often £25,000–£60,000) for specific projects—no unrestricted/core, capital, or emergency funding. Unsolicited applications are not accepted; opportunities arise ad hoc via website calls, newsletters, or invited partnerships—monitor for PhD/postdoc/project invites, with case-by-case decisions. McPin stands out for pioneering peer-led research, influencing PPI policy, and challenging power imbalances in mental health systems.