Air Pollution, Mental Health, and Me: My Journey Supporting the HAVA Study

This blog is written by a member of the Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) on the Human Air pollution exposure and Variation in neurochemical Activity (HAVA) Study. Sarah described her motivation for contributing to this study, what the study is about, and her role as a contributor to the study and its outputs. Her writing guides the reader to the study eligibility criteria and explains how to express interest in participating.

Who am I?

My name is Sarah, and I have lived in South London for most of my life. I won’t disclose how long, but let’s just say it’s over 60 years! 😊I am a Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) member for the Human Air pollution exposure and Variation in neurochemical Activity (HAVA) Study. I became involved in the study through my mental health consultancy work when I met Uzma, the HAVA Lead, on a different project at King’s College London. I am a carer to a loved one who experiences Severe Mental Ill Health (SMI), and I like to contribute to research and initiatives that further understanding in this area and may help my loved one in the future. It also feels good to give back to services that have helped support my family through some difficult times. Plus, my loved one has grown up near the South Circular in South London, and I am keen to contribute to research on the impact of air pollution on health and, hopefully, in the future, on mental ill-health.

What Is the HAVA Study?

HAVA is a research study exploring whether long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with differences in brain chemistry and related measures.

The purpose of the project is to explore whether long-term exposure to air pollution, particularly nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), may affect brain chemistry in healthy adults. Using advanced MRI scans, the study aims to examine whether people living in areas with higher levels of air pollution show measurable differences in the brain. The findings will help us better understand the possible effects of air pollution on brain health and will inform future research in this area.

I am also planning on making a Zine about the study. Yes, you heard right: it’s not all science-based and academic. There’s an arts-based side too, and we even have a wonderful artist, Stella, who is a LEAP member and creates illustrations. We also work with a graphic designer, Ange, who produced the study's logos and posters. I am also a Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) co-applicant for the research grant application. This means a member of the public, patient, service user, or carer with lived experience who helps with a research grant application.

How can the Community Help?

We Need You!

The Study requires people from the local communities of Southwark, Lambeth, Lewisham or Croydon, who are aged 16 or over and have lived in the same area of South London for at least 10 years. The study includes an MRI visit and brief questionnaires, and you will receive a £50 payment as a thank-you for taking part.