Getting involved

Getting involved means playing an active role in the work we do. AWP and NHS BSW (BANES, Swindon or Wiltshire) Talking Therapies values diversity and welcomes people who identify with different protected groups getting involved. Your experiences help us to ensure that our services are fair, inclusive and meet your needs.

We need to listen to people who have used our services, so that we can listen to feedback, understand what works well and make plans for improvements. 

What involvement means

If you would like to be involved, your valued help can make a big difference to our understanding of different groups’ needs. This means we can improve our services more effectively.

Involvement means:

  • Making a difference by being actively involved (could you spare an hour of your time for our quarterly forums to start with?)
  • Having your views listened to, and feeding in ideas that may help with service planning, delivery and evaluation.
  • Working together with different members of staff.
  • Using your experience as a service user to improve mental health services.
  • Having an opportunity to use your personal skills and experience.

Feedback from AWP Involvees

“Being an AWP involvee contributes to my self‑worth and therefore my wellbeing".

“I am energised by being able to make a difference and feel being an AWP involvee gives me the opportunity to do this".

“Being an involvee empowers me through being a part of positive input and change within the mental health NHS trust”.

“I have faced so many challenges this past year, but I was blessed to have some amazing people who stood right by my side through it all. All I can say is thank you AWP from the bottom of my heart. I am extremely grateful".

“In my life I’ve met some amazing people who’ve forever changed me. I don’t know if they know how much they helped me on the days when I felt discouraged, uncertain, or simply down. It could be their grins, their words, their examples or their real kindness that pulled me through. How much I appreciate them I’m not sure they will ever know thank you AWP from the bottom of my heart".

Who can be involved?

We welcome involvement from service users who have previously used our services within the last 2 years. It is a requirement that you have been discharged from NHS Talking Therapies and The Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP).

We value everyone’s experience and will treat you as an individual whatever your background, abilities or needs.

Ways you can get involved

There are many ways you can become involved in the activities of NHS BSW Talking Therapies, and the wider AWP. Involvement can include:

  • Reviewing services and providing feedback.
  • Recruiting new staff, staff training and inductions.
  • Chairing and taking part in groups or meetings.
  • Coming to AWP conferences, events or supporting fundraising activities.
  • Projects and tasks, such as reviewing literature and helping organise events.
  • Helping to plan, develop and design better policies and services for the future.
  • Mental health awareness talks.

How you can benefit from involvement

Getting involved in the work we do will give you the chance to make a real difference. You don’t need any previous experience other than having accessed NHS BSW Talking Therapies. Your involvement can also help you:

  • Meet new people.
  • Connect with your local communities.
  • Develop new skills.
  • Raise your self-esteem and confidence.
  • Enhance your CV.

Reimbursing your expenses

As we value your time and commitment, we will pay you back for any expenses incurred during your involvement with AWP.

Contact information

If you would like to get involved in the work we do at NHS BSW Talking Therapies, please contact your local Service User Champions below to discuss ways in which you can become involved.

Email: awp.bswiaptserviceuserinvolvement@nhs.net

Meg photo.jpg Meg Burch (Wiltshire & BaNES): 01380 731335

Dan photo.jpgDan Thornton (Wiltshire & BaNES): 01380 731335

Claire photo.jpgClaire Potter (Swindon): 01793 836836

You said, we did!

Here you will find regular updates of what we have done as a response to your feedback and involvement so you can see the real changes that are being made within the services…