Service User Network

The Service User Network (SUN) is a supportive peer group for people with lived experience of using mental health or learning disability services or for those who care for someone that does.

Service User Network logoThe SUN’s main focus is on improving LYPFT’s mental health and learning disability services. The network brings people together to express their views, share their experiences, explore what works well in our Trust and provide valuable feedback to help develop our services. SUN helps to empower and inspire people through getting involved, sharing your views and giving the opportunity to have your voice heard. This can help with personal recovery and positive health and wellbeing.

Members of staff are also very welcome to attend SUN meetings. The SUN Group is co-chaired by facilitators with lived experience and supported by the Trust’s Patient and Carer Experience Team.

 

Find out more about SUN

There is a SUN meeting on the first Wednesday of every month between 1pm-2.30pm. It’s a welcoming and friendly atmosphere in which all are welcome to attend. Currently the meetings take place online using Zoom but we hope to go back to face-to-face meetings soon.

There is usually a guest speaker, often invited at the request of members, along with news and updates about other involvement opportunities from different services at LYPFT and the wider community of Leeds. SUN members can also bring their ideas or concerns about any Trust services to the SUN meeting. They can discuss how to work together with staff and other SUN members about what the next steps may be and get regular feedback.

We have a SUN mailing list which is used to let people know about the wide range of involvement opportunities with the Trust. There are many different ways which you can be involved and you can do as much or as little as you feel up to. This could be:

  • giving your views
  • being part of a project group
  • coming to a SUN event
  • filling in a survey/questionnaire
  • being on a recruitment panel
  • taking part in a workshop or discussion
  • helping to plan/deliver staff training
  • co-chairing a group.

To join our mailing list, please email patientexperience.lypft@nhs.net or call 0113 855 6840.

Why should I get involved?

Your experiences and feedback can make a difference! Getting involved will: Connect, be active, give, keep learning, take notice

  • help to understand why things happen in a certain way
  • support you to gain new skills
  • increase your confidence
  • speak out on behalf of others without a voice
  • support you on your journey to recovery and maintain your wellbeing
  • connect with other people.
Upcoming events and involvement opportunities

There is always something to get involved with!

Visit the Trust events page to see what’s happening and how to participate.

What do SUN members think about the network?

SUN members join the network for a variety of reasons. We asked members to tell us what being involved in SUN has given them. Here are some of their answers:

  • “Sunshine! I enjoy coming to SUN”.
  • “I can see the bigger picture and there is more than one person with a problem”.
  • “Access to more information”.
  • “I’ve met like-minded people”.
  • “I can find out about involvement opportunities”.
  • “I get more information about what’s going on with services”.
  • “It’s helped to build my confidence so I can talk in front of a group”.
  • “SUN helps make a difference and helps with social interaction”.
  • “I am not alone”.