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Staff Profile

Dr Steven Thirkle

Research Associate

  • Email: steven.thirkle@ncl.ac.uk
  • Address: Population Health Sciences Institute
    Faculty of Medical Sciences
    Newcastle University
    Baddiley-Clark Building (3rd Floor)
    Richardson Road
    Newcastle upon Tyne
    NE2 4AX
Background

Introduction

I was born in North Tyneside and grew up experiencing the challenges posed by my low-socioeconomic status. I dropped out of school but never lost interest in education. Pursuing higher education was challenging, but my curiosity grew when I realised that I had found a purpose. Being a first-generation scholar inspired me to continue, I wanted to see how far I could go. My purpose blossomed as I realised that I wanted to help others by highlighting health and social inequalities in society, doing something about them, and contributing to a society where we can all flourish.

My Background

I was awarded a first-class honours degree for my BSc in Business Information Management and this is where I began to develop an interest in complexity theory and systems thinking. I was awarded an MSc with distinction in Project Management which helped me realise I was interested in applying theory, philosophy, and behavioural insights to help individuals and organisations work better together. My PhD was a collaborative venture between Northumbria University and Tees, Esk, and Wear Valleys Foundation Trust. I worked in the Trauma-informed Care programme with the aim to develop a novel discussion-based self-assessment to evaluate the implementation of trauma-informed care. The outcome of my PhD (Roots) is used by NHS trusts nationwide.

My Current Role

I joined Newcastle University as a Research Associate in December 2021 working on a National Insitute for Health Research: Research for Social Care project supported by the Mental Health Research in Northern England call. The project aims to develop multi-agency and trauma-informed solutions for people experiencing homelessness in Northumberland and North Tyneside.


Research

Research Interests

Public Health

Health and social inequalities

Trauma-informed Care

Culture and Wellbeing

Publications