Daniel Hayes

Daniel Hayes is a Senior Research Fellow in Social Science within the Behavioural Science and Health unit at University College London. He directs the Social Prescribing Youth Network (SPYN) and serves as Deputy Director of the National Centre for Social Prescribing Data and Analysis. Hayes completed his PhD at UCL and conducted postdoctoral research at both UCL and King's College London.

His research focuses on enhancing child and youth mental health through social, cultural, and community-based approaches, including school interventions and social prescribing models that integrate community resources into mental health services. Current research programs he leads include INACT (school-based social prescribing), SP:ACE (international youth social prescribing policy), YES (youth sector impact), and CASPA (CAMHS social prescribing integration).

Hayes has secured over £2.5 million in research funding as PI/Co-I and teaches at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels at UCL and King's College London, where he co-leads the Health and Behaviour module. As a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, he supervises postgraduate and doctoral students in social and community mental health.

His publication portfolio demonstrates consistent focus on youth mental health interventions, social prescribing efficacy, and cross-cultural implementation studies. Research frequently employs systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and mixed-methods approaches to evaluate school programs, community partnerships, and policy development.

Hayes manages the national Wellbeing While Waiting program exploring social prescribing support for youth awaiting NHS mental health services and collaborates on the ORIGIN project investigating online arts/culture interventions. He maintains active knowledge exchange through international keynote addresses and media engagement.