In a wide-ranging discussion, Professors Lucy Chappell and Cathy Creswell discuss the rationale behind the launch of a number of new NIHR funding schemes for mental health research that have been announced, including region-specific schemes. They go on to discuss the importance of research into co-occurring physical and mental health conditions, capacity issues in certain professions and the ways that NIHR is addressing this. They finish up considering how to ensure research is for all. If you’re interested in mental health research, you’ll be left feeling encouraged!