Katrina Jenkins leads on the Mental Health Foundation’s Programmes which address the experience of families, children and young people where there is an elevated risk of mental health problems. Katrina works in collaboration with partners and communities to enhance capacity for taking a preventative approach to mental health, working across the life course from pregnancy and early years through to young adulthood. Her work utilises the value of co-production to enhance solutions and reduce barriers for those who are most directly affected by life challenges that can impact mental health. 

With a background in research, Katrina develops and delivers evidence-based programmes across England that address some of the key challenges faced by those with poorest mental health outcomes, including care experienced young people; children of parents with mental health problems; and teenage parents. A key theme that runs throughout Katrina’s programmes work is the utilisation of peer-led support and education to address the social isolation and stigma that often coincides with mental health difficulties and associated challenges, particularly during times of life transition or change. Enhancing social connectedness and community cohesion is a core part of building on individual and community strengths to promote positive mental health outcomes throughout the life course.  Katrina’s particular interest lies in disseminating otherwise specialist information to facilitate wider utilisation of the existing evidence, with a view to enabling more informed and empowered communities and individuals to improve their mental health outcomes in ways that are tailored to their unique circumstances.