Service user leadership: training and development for service users to take the lead
The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice
ISSN: 1755-6228
Article publication date: 16 September 2013
Abstract
Purpose
This paper outlines the concept of service user leadership and both describes and reflects on an accredited training programme that enables mental health service users to take a leadership role.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors argue for a service user leadership approach and the training programme is reviewed by previous participants
Findings
Service users can take on a leadership role if they are given suitable and relevant training and development opportunities. Service user led training can be transformational.
Practical implications
Commissioners of mental health services should consider how to support service user leadership programmes, which can reach places and achieve outcomes that traditional mental health services are unable to attain.
Originality/value
The concept of service user leadership is relatively new and the training programme described in this paper is both original and highly valued by participants with many significant outcomes.
Keywords
Citation
Newton, A., Beales, A., A. Collins, D. and Basset, T. (2013), "Service user leadership: training and development for service users to take the lead", The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, Vol. 8 No. 3, pp. 134-140. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMHTEP-03-2013-0010
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited