Culturally adapted Family Intervention (CaFI) trial

Site Admin • 19 December 2022

source: Culturally-adapted Family Intervention
published: December 2022

CaFI are carrying out research to test a form of ‘talking therapy’ specifically designed to meet the needs of African and Caribbean service users/participants and their families.

This research aims to find out how the therapy compares with usual care given to African and Caribbean service users and their relatives/carers. They are also looking at how the therapy is taken up by services.

They would like to invite current service users with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or psychosis of Birmingham and Solihull NHS Mental Health Foundation Trust (BSMHFT), who regard themselves as being of Sub-Saharan African or Caribbean origin (this includes ‘Black British’ and ‘Mixed’ African and Caribbean people who have at least 1 Sub-Saharan African or Caribbean parent or grandparent) to take part in our research study.

To take part in the research, you must be at least 14 years old or older. If you are under 16, you must have your parent/guardian/carer’s consent to take part. They are are looking for people who are willing to commit to being in the study for about 12 months. You do not need to be in contact with your family to take part.

If you are interested in taking part in the study or if you have any questions, please contact a member of the research team using the details below. *

Service users who take part will be randomised to either a control arm (where they continue receiving their usual treatment) or the intervention arm where they will receive 10 x 1- hour CaFI sessions. CaFI therapy can be delivered either face-to-face or remotely. See a short film about the first CaFI study : Click here

Lead Therapist – CaFI trial

Lead therapists will be responsible for delivering CaFI therapy within the context of our NIHR HTA-funded randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Lead therapists will be Band 7 Clinical Psychologists, CBT or Family Therapist practitioners, or other Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) candidates and have family work experience.

This role provides research experience and training and embedding cultural awareness and competence in usual care.

They have numerous posts available, with a minimum requirement to deliver 10 x 1-hour sessions to a family unit over 26-week window. The roles can be carried out as part of an existing role as CPD or as additional paid hours.

Volunteer Allocated Family Support Member (FSM) - CaFI trial

FSMs will be volunteering as a ‘Family Support Member’ with service users, who have lost touch with their families, to attend CaFI.

FSMs will support the service users throughout the 10 x 1-hour sessions of therapy, which can take up to 26 weeks and therapy sessions can be conducted face-to-face or online.

No previous experience is necessary. You can be from any ethnic background and people with lived experience of psychosis are particularly welcome to apply!

Training will be provided and monthly group supervision from a clinical supervisor to share your experiences and discuss any concerns.

* If you are interested in taking part or would like any further information, please contact: