About this service
A lived experience-led forum making sure the voices of mental health service users and carers are heard across City and Hackney.
Mental Health Voice (MVH) brings people together with lived experience of mental illness to influence how local services are designed and delivered. Members play a key role in shaping decisions that affect mental health care in their community.
The Advocacy Project acts as a bridge between local people in the community and commissioners who invest in innovative change. There is a desire from both parties to come together and create a lasting impact, and The Advocacy Project is one of the best platforms for this to take place.
Maureen Brewster, User Involvement Coordinator
What we do
Mental Health Voice is run by The Advocacy Project to amplify lived experience and improve mental health services in Hackney and the City of London.
We work with local partners – including the NHS, Public Health, and community organisations – to ensure that people who use services help design and shape the future of mental health support in their community.
Highlights & Impact
Influencing Change
Members raised concerns about the lack of accessible mental health services in the City. This led to collaboration with City & Hackney Public Health on a service mapping exercise and the design of a new pathway to improve local access.
Shaping Decisions
MHV co-designed a service user survey on the Primary Care Mental Health contract. Feedback from members directly influenced the contract renewal and informed the Primary Care Mental Health Alliance’s priorities.
Widening Reach
At Healthwatch City’s “Health in the City” event, MHV engaged 16 residents on stigma and awareness — and welcomed 23 new members, strengthening local representation.
Embedding Lived Experience
MHV supported representatives on the Mental Health Integration Committee (MHIC) and contributed to ELFT’s Transformation Board. Collaboration with Public Health, Healthwatch, and ELFT ensured service user voices shaped strategy and planning.
Targeted Engagement
We responded to the ‘Off Centre’ counselling service proposal for young people, raising concerns about choice and capacity. Commissioners agreed to revisit the model through MHIC.
Our Approach
- Monthly meetings: alternating between Hackney and City venues
- Wellbeing check-ins: for members unable to attend sessions
- Quarterly induction sessions: for new members
- Regular newsletters and updates: promoting involvement and paid opportunities
- Partnership working with local and regional organisations
Get involved
If you:
- Have lived experience of mental illness (your own or as a carer)
- Want to see better, more inclusive mental health services
- Live in Hackney or the City of London
- Are ready to help make real change happen
Find out more: info@advocacyproject.org.uk.
