Can you help shape mental health services in Leeds?

The Trust is looking for local people with lived-experience of mental health conditions to help shape and improve its services.

People are being asked to sign up to become ‘Patient Champions’ as part of the city’s Patient Champion Programme, a joint initiative between local clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and other NHS organisations from across Leeds.

The Patient Champion’s role is to make sure that local NHS organisations consider the views of people from different communities in Leeds and ensure that their needs and preferences are taken into account when existing services are changing, or new ones are being set up.

Champions will get involved in different ways including attending events, taking part in meetings where key decisions are made and speaking to patients and carers. It also includes a number of free, informal and friendly training opportunities accessible for anyone who is interested in becoming a patient leader for the city.

The Trust’s Involvement Lead, Karen Fenton, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for people who are interested in using their knowledge gained as ‘experts-by-experience’ to help us shape our services and those of the wider NHS in Leeds.

“We are specifically looking for service user and carer representatives to help chair and minute meetings, help recruit our staff, co-deliver training and to sit on various groups to champion the service user and carer voice within the Trust. In return, we can offer training, support and expenses to help you get the most out of the opportunity.”

A number of training sessions are available throughout the year. The sessions are open to anyone interested in becoming a Patient Champion and you don’t need any special skills or knowledge to attend.

If you are interested in getting involved in the programme, or to find out more about the opportunities to get involved with the Trust, contact Karen Fenton, Involvement Lead, on (0113) 855 5944 or email karen.fenton@nhs.net.