University of Warwick

Our partnership with the Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal and Research (CEDAR) at the University of Warwick focusses on family research that aims to better understand and improve family well-being.

Two girls who have benefited from the work by Cerebra.

University of Warwick

Our partnership with the Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal and Research (CEDAR) at the University of Warwick focusses on family research that aims to better understand and improve family well-being.

University of Warwick

We fund two projects that are being carried out by CEDAR at the University of Warwick

The 1000 Families Study is a longitudinal study involving a large cohort of families of children with a learning disability living in the UK. The aim of the study is to explore the wellbeing of children with learning disability, siblings, caregivers, and families overall. Over 1000 families first took part between 2015 and 2017 (Wave 1). We then asked families to complete the survey again between 2018 and 2021 (Wave 2). Wave 3 is now underway, where families are asked to complete the survey again, with Wave 3 expected to continue until December 2022. Being able to follow up with as many families as possible is important, as we can explore how families experience change over time.

The Positive Family Connections Programme focuses on helping families to build positive relationships within their family, and is delivered online in six sessions. It was co-produced by family carers, and is designed for family carers of children with a learning disability, autism, or both. In the Positive Family Connections study, we will be testing out the co-produced programme with around 60 family carers to see if it will be possible to run a much larger study in the future. This is called a feasibility study. We are going to be running this study between 2022 and 2023.

Find out more about these studies

Meet the Team

Through the funding for these two projects, there are PhD Students and members of staff at CEDAR whose time is, at least partly, funded by Cerebra. They’ve all shared a little about themselves and their research.

The Impact of Research

The research we’ve funded at CEDAR has shaped and informed our emotional and mental health resources. The team have also been publishing research papers from the findings of Cerebra-funded work, and you can read more about these papers and other resources.

Our Impact

Annual Report

To read more about the research activities undertaken by the team, take a look at the 2021 annual report.

Research at the Centre

Find out more about the family research undertaken by the University of Warwick in these videos. You can also read more about the other work carried out at CEDAR on their webpages.

CEDAR Seminar Series

Alongside their research, CEDAR also run an annual series of seminars where researchers from other universities share their research. Our PhD students write reviews of these seminars.

Carer Support

Warwick University have developed a great resource for people who have a family member with a learning disability to offer support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
You will also find information about how to support your relative if they display behaviours that challenge.

Visit the website

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