Get involved
Get involved
What is People Participation?
People Participation is about service users, carers, and staff working collaboratively to shape the future of services. We need service users' and carers' help to create the very best services, but this can only be achieved with your voice, expertise, and insights.
Your time and experience are valuable and, as such, you are entitled to be paid for your time and claim expenses according to the rewards and recognition policy.
The People Participation team offers training and support for service users and carers who wish to be actively involved in the Trust i.e: Interview Panels, Quality Improvement, and Service Accreditation.
Are you a current Service User or Carer of ELFT?
Bedfordshire Talking Therapies and ELFT are committed to continuously improving the care provided, and your lived experience can be invaluable towards this. People Participation is an opportunity to have your say to improve the service, but also an opportunity to help support your own recovery journey and day-to-day wellbeing.
Interested and would like more information?
You can contact Justine & Laura G, who are our People Participation champions (for Bedfordshire Talking Therapies):
- Email - elft.btt-pp@nhs.net
- Call - 01234 880 400
- Complete an interest form below
Or you can visit https://www.elft.nhs.uk/get-involved/people-participation, where more information is provided.
Feedback- My Experience with People Participation
I joined PP (People Participation) in August 2022 after suffering from depression and receiving therapy. I responded to the PP leaflet I was given, wanting to volunteer and give something back as I was supported so well during my therapy. At first, I was a bit confused as to what it involved, but I was made to feel so welcome, and encouraged to join in with anything that interested me, that it soon became clearer.
I was listened to, and often the Working Together groups’ ideas and suggestions were taken on board. This was evident on the Talking Therapies QI project, ‘Improving the Waiting List Experience’, where changes have been made to improve support for those waiting for therapy.
A year on I and my involvement has grown and my confidence. I now take part in: Working Together Groups in different areas of mental health, Interview panels, Conferences, Whole Team Meetings with managers, things I would never have dreamed of doing. My biggest achievement has been passing the Quality Improvement - ‘Improvement Leaders’ Programme’ - which they encouraged me to go on. Not bad for a retired 66-year-old.
I enjoy my time with Talking Therapies, having made new friendsand being involved with helping to improve the NHS.
Julie
