Mental Health Award: Using Physical Activity and Circadian-Based Interventions to Reduce Anxiety and Depression in Young People
Supports trials testing how physical activity and circadian-based interventions reduce anxiety and depression in 10–18 year olds in the UK and Africa, with a focus on mechanisms and real-world impact.
Funder: Wellcome Trust
Due Dates: June 29, 2026 (scope check email) | July 14, 2026 (full application)
Funding Amounts: £1–4 million per grant | 3–4 years per project | 5–10 awards expected
Summary: Supports mechanistically informed trials using physical activity and/or circadian-based interventions to reduce anxiety and depression in young people (ages 10–18) in the UK and Africa.
Key Information: Scope check by June 29, 2026 is optional but recommended for eligibility confirmation.
Description
This funding opportunity from Wellcome Trust aims to support mechanistically informed trials of interventions that leverage physical activity and/or circadian-based approaches (such as sleep, light exposure, and daily routines) to reduce anxiety and depression in young people aged 10–18 years in the UK and/or Africa. Projects must integrate robust evidence, test both efficacy and mechanisms (preferably via randomized controlled trials), and include clear plans for real-world implementation and meaningful involvement of young people with lived experience of anxiety and depression. The goal is to develop scalable, precise, and effective early interventions, deepening understanding of how and why these approaches work, and paving the way for future effectiveness trials.
