Mental Health Service Users' Involvement in Staff Training

5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (5BP) is based in Warrington, Cheshire, and specialises in Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Community Services.The Trust set up a Service Users and Carers Presentation Skills Group in November 2010, composed of mental health service users and carers. Members of this group are given the opportunity to contribute to the Trust’s strategy for future care pathways and to critique and influence comprehensive training packages, before staff commence training. Thus their role has a major impact on the learning and development of staff. The group also provide support for each other as well as influencing decisions, addressing Trust values and attitudes, and focusing on topics such as stigma and mental health awareness.