Secure Settings Service User & Carer Advisory Group win at Royal College of Psychiatrists' 2025 Awards
Huge congratulations to the Secure Settings Service User & Carer Advisory Group (SUCAG), who has been awarded the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ 2025 Award for Patient/Carer Outstanding Contribution to Psychiatry.
This national recognition is a powerful testament to the group’s pioneering work in embedding lived-experience voices at the heart of forensic mental health services - an area where such perspectives have historically been underrepresented.
SUCAG is a hybrid monthly forum co-led by Lived Experience Practitioner Tanya-Louise Graham Matt and PPI Lead Zoe Linekar, where inpatients, community service users, carers, and staff come together to shape service provision through meaningful co-production. The group operates with a flattened hierarchy, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued equally.
Tanya-Louise said: “This award marks a new road for us in Forensic Mental Health Services.”
It’s a time of change, of new positive public perspectives, hope, and upliftment. I hope you can join us in celebrating by moving forward in this direction.”
The group’s work has had a profound impact - reducing stigma, humanising forensic patients, and improving both the quality of care and public understanding of mental illness.
This award is not only a celebration of SUCAG’s achievements but also a recognition of the dedication and collaboration of everyone involved. It’s a proud moment for our Trust and a reminder of the power of co-production in transforming services.
