Food and Behaviour Research
Dr Kevin Williamson
Dr Williamson developed a nutritional service at the Centre for Nutrition and Behaviour, Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) for young people experiencing their first episode of psychosis - looking at their diet in relation to their illness, and providing a healthier, more nutritionally balanced alternative. This service drew praise from the Government’s Food and Health Forum, which recommended that all other NHS trusts should adopt a similar approach.
Since then, Kevin has further developed his nutritional care service for those with psychosis, and also created an accredited training package for healthcare professionals. The RDaSH Trust and their Centre for Nutrition and Behaviour have successfully developed, hosted and are now delivering a series of nutrition studies and training events, some of these funded by charities, national research institutions and industry.
In addition to his clinical work and qualifications as a Registered Nutritionist, Kevin has a Masters of Medical Science in Human Nutrition, and recently completed his PhD (University of Leeds, 2023) researching the subject of ‘Nutrition for the Management of Psychosis’. He has also authored a number of academic research publications on the topics of nutrition, mental health and peer-support.
Kevin is a highly popular and engaging speaker, with many years’ experience of both University lecturing and Clinical training, as well as having presented his clinical and research work both nationally and internationally. He has also assisted the FAB Research charity since 2008 as a Scientific and Professional Advisor, making a valued contribution to their educational and professional training events, as well as those of many other charities and support groups.
Kevin's Collaboration with FAB Research
Kevin has recently been awarded a highly competitive DSE grant to fund research in the field of Nutritional Psychiatry, which involves a formal placement with FAB Research.
He will be will be working closely with FAB Research to help leverage collaborations that lead to an impactful programme of research, bringing real benefit to patients experiencing mental health difficulties and related health challenges.
Earlier in his career, Kevin’s pioneering work with Professor Malcolm Peet first brought him into contact with FAB Research.
This included his contributions to the UK Parliamentary Food and Health Forum (FHF) Inquiry into the links between Diet and Behaviour – and the role of nutrition in mental health. FAB Research and some of our very own Associate members were contributors to this paper as well.
Evidence for the importance of nutrition in psychiatric disorders, and the potential of nutritional and dietary interventions to provide a more cost-effective approaches to their prevention and management, has only continued to increase.
Given the substantial evidence linking diet and mental health, upcoming projects under this collaboration will aim to put this knowledge into practice, ultimately improving the wellbeing of patients with mental health conditions.
Further reading
*View/Download the Associate Parliamentary Food and Health Forum Report 2008: Inquiry into the links between diet and behaviour here:
Dr Kevin Williamson
Consultant Nutritionist and Clinical Lead at their Centre for Nutrition and Behaviour, Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH)
Main Interests
Kevin has worked as a Registered Nutritionist supporting mental health for almost 20 years; and his early work - helping young people with mental health problems at the early intervention in psychosis services at RDasH - received a UK Parliamentary commendation in 2008.*
Recent Speaking Events
See FAB's recent webinar(s) with Dr Kevin Williamson.
Doncaster on March 18th
Food and Behaviour Research is a registered charity (No SC034604) and a company limited by guarantee (Co No SC 253448)
what we do
Important Notice:
Medical opinion and guidance should always be sought for any symptoms that might possibly reflect a known or suspected disease, disorder or medical condition. Information provided on this website (or by FAB Research via any other means) does not in any way constitute advice on the treatment of any medical condition formally diagnosed or otherwise.