Hi Rebecca, can you summarise your PhD project and its goals for someone unfamiliar with the field?

My PhD is all about getting more people in Derbyshire, especially in areas where it's needed most, to enjoy the benefits of walking. We're looking at the 'Walk Derbyshire' program, which isn't just about suggesting a stroll – it's a really innovative approach. It's about working with communities to design walking programs that fit their lives and address local inequalities.

This means taking a 'systems approach,' which basically means looking at the whole picture and considering all the interconnected factors that influence whether someone walks – from local parks and pathways to community support and even social connections. So, I'm diving into how this community-led, 'systems-thinking' approach actually works on the ground, and what impact it has on people's activity levels and overall wellbeing.

My PhD is evaluating this unique approach by embracing an embedded position within the program, working in eight different communities to understand how it's being implemented, what's working well, and how it can be improved. It's a really exciting project because it could change the way we think about promoting physical activity and tackling health inequalities.

How do you hope your research will bring positive change to people’s health and wellbeing?

My research is driven by a desire to reduce health inequalities. We know that access to opportunities for physical activity isn't equal, and some communities face significant barriers. I believe that community-led programs, like Walk Derbyshire, which take a 'systems approach,' can be key to levelling the playing field. My research aims to provide solid evidence for the effectiveness of this approach, identifying what works well, what could be improved, and how it can be adapted and implemented in other communities.

Ultimately, I want my findings to empower communities to design and deliver their own programs that truly meet their needs, leading to lasting improvements in people's health and wellbeing. I hope to inform the development of more effective programs, making a genuine difference in people's lives by promoting physical activity and tackling health disparities.

You have experience as a GP practice wellbeing coordinator and supporting player wellbeing in sports settings. How have these experiences shaped your approach to wellbeing research?

My experience has given me a really grounded understanding of the complexities of wellbeing and the importance of taking a holistic approach. In both settings, I've seen firsthand how crucial it is to tailor support to individual needs and understand the context of the community.

As a wellbeing coordinator, I learned the importance of listening to patients and understanding their unique challenges. In sports, I saw how team dynamics and the overall environment can significantly impact an individual's wellbeing. These experiences have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of human connection and the importance of creating supportive environments. It's also made me particularly sensitive to the importance of community engagement and co-production in research.

My research is definitely shaped by this understanding. I'm not just interested in theory; I want to know what actually works for people in their everyday lives, and how we can create programs that are truly sustainable, effective, and meet the unique needs of the community.

What motivated your transition from professional practice into research?

I've always been curious about the human experience and passionate about wellbeing. My work in practice was incredibly fulfilling, but I felt a pull towards exploring these topics on a deeper level. My work in practice sparked a lot of questions for me. I was seeing the impact of wellbeing programs firsthand, but I wanted to understand why some programs were more effective than others. I wanted to explore the underlying mechanisms and the complex interplay of factors that influence wellbeing.

Research offered me the chance to delve deeper into these questions, explore the bigger picture and contribute to creating healthier communities on a larger scale. It felt like a natural progression, a way to combine my practical experience with a more systematic and in-depth exploration of the field.

Can you share your experience of publishing research in the BMJ - what was that journey like?

Publishing in the BMJ was a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience. The peer review process was rigorous, which pushed me to refine my thinking and strengthen my arguments. It was a steep learning curve, but I learned so much about the publication process, from crafting a compelling narrative to responding to reviewer comments. Knowing that my research on improving mental health support for military personnel could reach such a broad audience and potentially influence policy and practice was incredibly motivating. It was a real highlight of my research journey so far, and it's definitely inspired me to continue pursuing research that has a real-world impact.

What key lessons did you learn from the publishing process that could help other PhD students and early career researchers?

I learned several key lessons. First, thorough preparation is crucial. Understand your target journal and get feedback on your manuscript before submitting. Second, clear and concise writing is essential. Focus on communicating your findings effectively and be prepared for revisions. Third, resilience is key. Don't be discouraged by rejections; view them as learning opportunities. Finally, seek mentorship and collaborate with other researchers.

The publishing process can be challenging, but with careful planning, effective communication, and a resilient attitude, it can also be incredibly rewarding.

Based on your experience with Walk Derbyshire, what practical steps could LBU take to improve student and staff wellbeing?

Walk Derbyshire has really shown me the power of community and connection in promoting wellbeing, and the importance of making initiatives accessible and inclusive. LBU could take some valuable lessons from this. Creating a stronger sense of community among students and staff would be a great start. This could involve fostering more opportunities for social interaction – things like regular social events, student-staff sports teams, shared interest groups, or even just more informal spaces for people to connect.

Just like Walk Derbyshire builds connections through walking, LBU could facilitate connections through a variety of activities that bring people together. Equally important is ensuring that all wellbeing initiatives are truly accessible and inclusive. This means considering the diverse needs and circumstances of our community to be as inclusive as possible. For example, offering a range of activities at different times of day, including online options, can make it easier for people with varying schedules or physical abilities to participate.

What is it like being a PhD student across two schools (Health and Sport)? Can you share a challenge and a key benefit from this experience?

Being a PhD student across the Schools of Health and Sport has been a truly enriching, though sometimes challenging, experience. One of the biggest benefits is the interdisciplinary learning. I'm exposed to different ways of thinking about wellbeing, different research methods, and different theoretical frameworks, which has significantly broadened my understanding. Access to a wider range of resources and networks is another huge plus. I have supervisors and collaborators in both schools, and I'm part of two vibrant research communities.

A challenge has been the feeling of sometimes being 'in-between' two schools. It can take a bit of effort to integrate fully into both communities and feel like I truly belong.  It requires good communication, organisation, and a willingness to adapt. But the benefits of this interdisciplinary experience far outweigh the challenges.

How do you look after your own wellbeing whilst balancing the demands of PhD research and being a part-time lecturer at LBU?

One of the great things about PhD life and part-time lecturing is the autonomy it gives you to plan your own day. I'm a big fan of using that autonomy to my advantage. Planners and to-do lists are my best friends, they help me stay organised and keep track of everything. But I also know that things don't always go according to plan, so I build in plenty of flexibility.

Self-care is non-negotiable. Exercise is crucial for me – it's how I stay sane! Playing netball is fantastic – it's a great workout, a chance to catch up with friends, and a brilliant stress reliever all in one. Swimming is also amazing - it's so relaxing and helps me clear my head. Basically, anything that gets me moving is a win. And, of course, time with friends and family is essential. They're my support system and remind me what's really important. It's all about finding a balance that works, and I'm always learning and adjusting as I go.

If you could give three key pieces of advice to new PhD students about prioritising wellbeing, what would they be?

1. Prioritise self-care early: Don't wait until you're overwhelmed. Schedule activities that help you recharge – exercise, hobbies, time with loved ones – just like any other important appointment. It's essential for your wellbeing and will make you more productive in the long run.
2. Build a support network: PhD life can be tough. Connect with other students, reach out to supervisors and mentors, and lean on your friends and family. Having people to talk to makes a huge difference.
3. Be kind to yourself: It's okay not to be perfect. Celebrate small wins, learn from mistakes, and don't be afraid to ask for help. The PhD is a marathon, not a sprint – be patient and enjoy the journey.

For more information on Wellbeing Support at the university, please visit our Wellbeing pages for colleagues and for students.