Our Service User Celebration Event
On Tuesday 26 March, South London and Maudsley Trust held its Service User Celebration Event. Over 70 participants gathered to hear from service users and staff about the innovative projects and initiatives they are involved in to advance co-production.
This event was more than just a gathering; it was a celebration of the voices, experiences and impact of service users and carers in shaping care at the Trust. Co-produced from start to finish, there was a sense of shared purpose, where staff and patients alike felt equally involved in shaping the future of mental health services.
The event featured a range of talks, activities, and a powerful film screening, all centred on the vital role of service user and carer involvement in shaping better care. Throughout the day, attendees, many of which were service users and carers themselves, raised important, sometimes challenging questions - the kind that push us to reflect, improve and ensure that co-production is carried out meaningfully and is a driving force for real change. These powerful conversations are key to shaping and strengthening our service user involvement strategy, ensuring that lived experience continues to guide meaningful improvements in care.
Equity, inclusion and the power of lived experience
The theme of inclusion ran through the entire event, particularly in discussions around Culture of Care - an initiative designed to set new standards for inpatient care. Speakers Dr Tamara Anderson, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Lewisham Hospital’s Ladywell Unit and Leanne Bower, lived experience expert, highlighted the Culture of Care Standards which provide an evidence-based framework for creating safer, more compassionate and needs-led environments. Trauma-informed, autism-informed and anti-racist approaches are key priorities of these standards ensuring that care is safe, compassionate, and truly person-centred.
Art by Leanne Walker, lived experience expert and advisor
Tamara and Leanne also reminded us that culture isn’t something one person decides. Culture evolves through the contributions of everyone involved. Emphasising this, they encouraged more service users and carers to take part in initiatives that allow them to share their lived experiences and recommendations to improve mental healthcare. They particularly highlighted the need for greater participation from men and Black men, whose perspectives are often underrepresented in these discussions.
Real stories, real change
We heard from the Patient and Carer Stories Project – an entirely co-produced initiative that brings service users’ experiences directly to decision-makers in the Trust. Through capturing the stories of patients and service users, the project ensures that lived experience shapes the future of care.
A moving film featuring service users and carers highlighted the importance of their involvement. It demonstrated how getting involved enabled them to connect with others who shared a similar journey, creating a sense of belonging and reducing isolation. Service users also spoke about wanting to be seen beyond their diagnosis, and how getting involved in co-production allows them to contribute to strategy and decision-making. This strengths-based approach allowed participants to no longer feel like ‘staff’ and ‘service users’, but rather, a unified team.
Leadership that listens
Norman Lamb, our Chair, spoke passionately about the Trust’s commitment to co-production, recognising both our progress and the work still ahead. He emphasised that services can’t just be clinically led; we need to work alongside the communities we serve.
He also acknowledged that the experience of care is not yet equitable and that we must confront institutional racism to become genuinely anti-racist. His words resonated with attendees: “We get great by working with you. By collaborating - together.”
Leroy Mcanuff, Service User Consultant, expressed after Norman’s words, that Norman was “an example of how leadership should be”. It was a moment that underscored the power of leadership that listens and acts.
Leroy expressing his gratitude to Norman Lamb
A call to keep moving forward
Across the event, there was an overwhelming sense that co-production is not just something mental health services ‘should’ do - it’s something they must do to create better, more responsive services.
Annette Davis, Chair of the PCREF Service Users and Carers Group, made an important point - we don’t have all the answers so we must continue learning from each other and sharing knowledge.
David Bradley, our Chief Executive, echoed this sentiment in his closing remarks. He expressed his deep gratitude to the service users and carers who not only get involved but remain dedicated to driving lasting improvements in our services, reinforcing the power of their ongoing contribution to meaningful change.
Keeping the momentum going
This event proved that service user and carer involvement isn’t just valuable - it’s essential. The work happening across the Trust is a testament to what’s possible when we listen, collaborate and value lived experience. Together, we are building a more inclusive, compassionate and responsive future for all.
If you’ve used our services and would like to get involved in helping us plan, develop and improve our Trust’s services, find more information here: https://slam.nhs.uk/get-involved
If you’d like to share your story or experience using our services, to help shape our strategy and delivery, find out more about the Patient Story Project here: https://slam.nhs.uk/stories
