Dr Karen Burnell, Solent University: Principal Investigator
Karen specialises in applied psychology, with a particular focus on veteran studies, psychogerontology, mental health and wellbeing, and research methodologies. Over the years, Karen has explored the role of social support in mental health and wellbeing and, more specifically, peer support, and has evaluated community-based interventions for veterans. At the heart of all of Karen’s research is the exploration of informal support networks and psychosocial interventions.
Dr Lou Baxter: Co-Investigator
At the time of study, Lou was a lecturer in the sociology of health and illness at Bournemouth University, and co-investigator on the NIHR Common Health Assets project, which is evaluating how community led organisations impact the health and wellbeing of people living in deprived areas. Prior to this she was a Research Associate in Mental Health at the UKRI MARCH Mental Health Research Network, exploring the role of community assets in mental health. Lou is now a Senior Evidence Specialist at the National Academy for Social Prescribing.
Dr Kathryn Watson, Co-Researcher
Kathryn is a research assistant at Kings Improvement Science (KIS), Kings College London. She is passionate about applied health research, mental health and the value of lived experience. She has a background in clinical medicine and worked as a GP specialist trainee. She holds a BSc in Immunity and Infection, and a PhD in microbiology from Imperial College London. Prior to joining KIS, Kathryn worked as a researcher at Solent University on a mental health and heritage project, in research communications at the McPin Foundation and as a peer support tutor at City and Hackney Recovery College. She also successfully self-published ‘my illustrated mind: cards for honest conversations about feelings’ via Kickstarter in 2021. This is an illustrated card deck that can be used as an educational, communication and therapeutic aid.
Dr Paul Everill, University of Winchester: Co-Investigator
Paul has been involved in archaeology since his first experience of an excavation at the age of 16. Since discovering a passion for the subject he has studied and worked in the discipline in a wide variety of roles, before heading down an academic career path in 2008. Paul has co-directed the Anglo-Georgian Expedition to Nokalakevi, in collaboration with colleagues from the Georgian National Museum and National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia, since 2002.
Eva Makri, Solent University: Reseach Associate
Eva has a background in social research. She has experience analysing results relating to visitor experience for heritage organisations such as the National Trust. She was also involved in NHS projects analysing view seeking and consultation results and offering recommendations on how to improve local mental health services.
The research was supported by Dr Linda Monckton and Dr Desi Gradinarova of Historic England.
Dr Linda Monckton FSA is Head of Wellbeing and Inclusion Strategy at Historic England. Linda is an architectural historian with a special interest in the social impact and potential of the historic environment. She has worked in the heritage profession for 25 years as a researcher, analyst and strategist and is leading on Historic England’s strategic approach to delivering health and wellbeing outcomes through its work.
Dr Desi Gradinarova is a Senior Policy Adviser (Wellbeing) at Historic England and Historic Environment Lead at the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP). Dr Gradinarova has been working in heritage, research, education and policy for many years and is a passionate believer in the potential of heritage to bring people together and its crucial role in maintaining a vibrant and healthy society.